Laptop here. Prepare yourself for the interviews. For those of you who submitted tributes, you get to hear from them today! YAY! But that also means that it's really, really, really long, and that's why it took me forever to bring it out. Also, there was a little bit of confusing factors, mixing up tributes, and the like. But I'm pretty sure that I've fixed that. Let me know if I need to fix anything - I want your tributes to be just as you invisioned them! This chapter also fixes some mistakes made be Ninnnna and me, particularly that of Indigo. Enjoy, anyway!

*Indigo Stormwell's POV*

The stage began to explode with sounds as I lead the tributes onto the stage, blowing kisses to the Capitol citizens and being sure that the men noticed how tight and short my black striped dress was. It jangled as I moved, the strings of metal loops bouncing off each other in a melody lost to the crowd's roars. I sat down, folding my legs like a lady and crossing my fishnet-gloved hands on my kneecaps. I shook my dark hair out of my eyes, noticing the extra weight that the stratigically placed large purple feathers that were gave it.

Viola Flickerman, in orange, the color of that year's games, strutted onto the stage and the crowd cheered louder. I resisted the urge to wrinkle my nose at her orange skin, hair, eyebrows, and lips. The only part of her that was virtually unchanged from her purple get-up the last year was her studded midnight dress that she always appeared in on television. She joked a bit with the crowd about the latest fads, which I didn't understand a word of, and called me up.

I took my time walking to the chair where I would have my interview with Viola, giving the crowd and Panem plenty of time to study and remember me. I sat, smoothed my skirt so that the loops bang together in the sudden silence, and my three minutes began.

"So, Indigo," Viola began. "You're the lucky girl who gets to start us off tonight. Are you nervous?"

I smiled politely at her, folding my hands in my lap, appearing to be a perfect lady. "Of course not, Viola. Are you nervous?" I teased.

"You caught me, Indigo," Viola looked agast. "I'm postitively terrified. I mean, it's not every day I get to interview someone like you." This earned appreciative laughter from the crowd.

I reached over and patted Viola's arm comfortingly. "It's all right, Viola. I completely understand. Don't worry, I won't bite." I smiled, letting the crowd see how my stylists had made my teeth appear to be pointed, and Viola pretended to faint with fright.

When the crowd's hysteria died down, Viola asked me, "What weopons are your most prominent?"

I grinned savagely. "I can use most anything, Viola," I informed her. "When I throw a knife, I rarely miss, but my best is the twin short swords - my right three hands, and my left four." I wanted to be very detailed so that the Gamemakers would know exactly what to put in the arena for me. "The blades are flat and small, perfect for acrobats."

Viola nodded, giving the crowd a few of my precious seconds to let this sink in. "Any stratagies that you care to give away?"

I smiled, letting myself resume my lady-like attitude. "You mean, besides winning? Because I do intend to do that." The crowd chuckled, at ease again now that I was acting like one of them.

Viola chuckled with them. "Yes, besides that."

"Well, nothing I can say," I winked at her. "but I reassure you, you shall never be bored while I'm on the screen." My lips parted naturally, and jagged teeth appeared again.

My timer went off, and Viola dismissed me. I left as slow as I had come, ignoring Onyx as he took my spot.

*Onyx Remington*

"So, Onyx," Viola said to me. "What are you thoughts on the lovely Indigo, who was just up here?"

"She's a charming girl," I reply easily, sitting back in my chair. "and not too much of an eyesore, either, if you know what I mean," I winked at Viola, knowing that Tawny would be fuming with rage behind me.

Viola chuckled. "I'm sure much of the audience agrees with you. Does this mean that she's a taken woman?"

I waved that off easily. "No, no, go for it. Indigo isn't anything compared to my girl."

"Your girl?" Viola leaned in, eyebrows raised. "and who is the lucky girl?"

"You won't believe it," I returned, leaning in and straightening my crazy fucia jacket. "but I managed to snag a forbidden one this time."

Viola gasped dramatically. "Forbidden?"

"Well, there's no rule against it, I suppose," I shrugged. "but all the same, she's mine, Tawny is." I let that settle for a moment, so that the cameras could find Tawny's face. "I couldn't resist," I offered.

The crowd groaned in sympathy and Viola commented, "Only one of you will survive, you have to know that, Onyx."

"Oh, I do," I reassured her quickly. They had to think me a flirt, not a lovesick duck. "and so does Tawny. We both understand that we'll have to turn on each other eventually, and we accept that. We're just... you know, having some fun."

"Not too much fun, I hope," Viola teased me.

I grinned. "Well, you never know." the crowd laughed endlessly. When they were through, Viola commented that our time was nearly up. I reassured her, "Don't worry, Viola. I'll be back on this stage before you know it."

*Tawny Cadell's POV*

As I got up to replace Onyx, I had to pass him. He looked silly in the Capitol clothes, but handsome all the same. He stopped me as I passed, giving me a quick kiss, our first. I smiled at him and said, loud enough for the cameras to hear, "Careful. They'll all be jelous." and as I sat beside Viola, I noticed that Indigo had fists in her lap, looking furious that she couldn't snag him for herself. I threw her one of my famous smirks and gave Viola my attention.

"Tawny, I think we're all dying to know, how do you feel about young Onyx Remington?" Viola asked me, predictably.

I smirk. "I think that we are both the kid of people that will get whatever fun we can get while we can. And believe me, I always get what I want."

Viola nods. "I'm sure you do. So you agree with Onyx that it's only for fun - that there's no real lasting affection involved?"

I let out a snort. "Of course. Onyx is a prize, but I don't fool myself into thinking that anyone could win him." In that one sentance, I revered, I made myself affectionate to him and less lovable to the crowd. "And I hope that he isn't foolish enough into thinking that, if circumstances allowed, he would be able to keep me." I laughed. "I'm not a prize. I'm a winner."

"You intend to win, Tawny." I nodded in agreement. "Do you care to share how, exactly, you plan to do that?"

"Well... Onyx and I will stay together for as long as is sensible, having fun, you know. Maybe we'll have lots of fun, but you'll see, won't you?" There is laughter. "However, I do have a few tributes that should be watching out for me." I grinned savagely.

"Who?" Viola asked eagerly.

I put on my most impressive smirk. "Estella Mason, from District 11, has put together a little alliance. I don't know everyone's name in it, but they're all girls - from Districts 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 12." I paused to let the cameras find them and their reactions. "It's pitiful, really. They all think that they can win if they work together, but, honestly, they're forgetting that there's people like me in the Games. Onyx, too." I shoot a fuming Estella a pitying look. "You can almost feel bad for them and their false hope."

"Care to comment on your training score? It was unusually low for a Career," Viola offers.

I scowled spectacularly. "No, Viola," I snap. "I do not care to comment." I was still planning on using my low score to my advantage. The less they knew, the better.

*Micheal Metzger's POV*

I was nearly shaking with nerves as I approached Viola. Tawny smirked at me as she passed, which did nothing to help my stage popularity. I took the seat beside Viola, desperately trying to balance the hat my stylist game me. Viola, perhaps recognizing that I was nervous, smiled kindly at me. Did she know that I was an unusual Career? One that planned to break away from the Career alliance as soon as I can, and wait the Games out?

"So, Micheal," she said. "you, unlike Mr. Onyx and Misses Indigo and Tawny, were reaped. Do you care to share any thoughts on this with us?"

I did not, but I was too scared to say so like Tawny had just a few moments ago. So I took a few steadying breaths, and brought out the responce that Goliath and I had decided upon. "Yeah, I was reaped. But don't judge me because of it. I may not have trained for years, but I'm smart, and not your average tribute."

"What can you do, Micheal, that we would consider acceptional?" Viola was giving me a chance to brag upon myself, something that the others before me would have taken with joy. I, however, have to wait a moment, catch my breath, before I can answer.

"I'm good with snares, and I'm really smart." That seemed like it wasn't enough, so I added, "I can throw knives really well, and I'm good at archery, too."

"Archery?" Viola asked. "That takes a patient and well-thought mind."

I nodded, happy with her help. "Yeah, well, that's me."

"How long to you think you will remain with the Career alliance?" Viola wanted to know.

I took a deep breath. Goliath and I hadn't worked on this question. I glanced back at Tawny, who smirked at me. No, I couldn't answer honestly. But if I lied, I was sure it would show. I decided on an answer that was both true and not. "I will stay as long as I think that the alliance may prove profitable."

"You're not scared to break away?" Viola asked. "The Careers this year appear pretty tough - you may loose your life in a struggle with them."

My family was watching back home, and my girl, too. They'd be devestated to her that. "No, I won't die, Ceaser. I'm too smart for that."

Viola smiled, and replied, "I'm sure that you are."

*Olivia Knox's POV*

Micheal didn't shake as much when he left Viola's side. I was careful to make sure that I didn't as I replaced him, smoothing my light blue skirts and adjusting the leather strap holding back my fiery hair. I made my eyes look as bright and intellegent as I could as I waited for Viola to begin.

"Hello, Olivia," she began.

"Hey, Viola. It's great to be here," I lied through my teeth.

This earned a genuine smile from Viola and the crowd. "So you are enjoying the Capitol, then?"

"Absolutely," I replied.

"What's your favorite part so far?" Viola asked, and the Capitol waited eagerly for a response.

I bit my lip, searching for an answer. "That's a hard one," I complained, buying myself time. "I'd have to say seeing all the latest technology in work. We don't use a lot of our own technology in 3. Just the other day, I noticed someone using the glitter-song mechanic that I worked on just last year."

"The kind that can hold a hundred songs in a single flake?" I nodded. "I love those! I'm wearing one right now!" The crowd yelled in appreciation. "What did you do to contribute to this?"

I sent a prayer home for my crew to forgive me for stealing their credit. "A bit of everything, really. I tested to see which colors would work best with the substance that makes it capable of holding so many songs, which I nicknamed, "veri" for versital and veriatey."

"Did you discover this 'veri'?" Viola asked.

"No," I shook my head. "but I did come up with the idea that it could be used to conceal electronics in jewlery, accesseries, clothing, and things like that. Why, back home, we're working on -" I cut off purposefully, shaking my head. "Sorry. That's classified information."

After begging for more details, which I refused, Viola asked, "So, you are apart of this alliance that Tawny claims to surround Estella Mason?"

I nod. "Yes, I am in an alliance with Estella, but we all agree that it is not her alliance. It is ours. Just because Estella knows Lystra Fay Gull doesn't mean that she's the automatic leader. We can all think for ourselves."

Viola nods. "And what do you think your chances are in the arena, Olivia?"

I allow a little bit of confidence to enter my gaze. "I'm smart. Really smart. And if you think even for a moment that my height or age will stop me, you're wrong. Ask anybody back home. I'm not scared to get dirty."

My timer went off, and I passed Torka on his way up to his interview. He gave me a dirty look, because he had figured out that he was cast away from our alliance because I had told the rest of the girls that he was stuck up, which was far from the truth, because I didn't want to get to know him too well. He was just another weakness.

*Torka Reed's POV*

My stylist had dressed me in pants. Simple-enough brown shorts, and nothing else. The prep team bathed me in some kind of oil that still remains on my skin, making it look more tanned than usual, and my glasses are gone. When I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I was surprised that they made me look so attractive instead of stupid.

I joined Viola, managing to surpress a shiver of discomfort at his orange get-up. She smiled at me, revealing orange teeth. "Hello, Torka. How nice to see you here tonight."

I smiled as well, making an effort to keep all awkwardness from my face. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world." The crowd murmurs, but I couldn't tell if it was in appreciation or if they were surprised. Careers were happy to be here. I was not a Career.

"Glad to see you're enjoying your time here in the Capitol," Viola smiled. "you do seem to fit in pretty well."

Part of me was insulted. I didn't want to be in the Capitol, let alone fit in. But I forced a cheery expression and said, "Well, that's good to know. I feel like a blue wire in the midst of red ones."

Viola beamed at my mention of wires, clearly hoping for a presentation of my brains like Olivia. "Did you work with Miss Olivia Knox back home?"

I shook my head. "No. I actually only knew her as the girl who lives on the street with the mayor. Whenever his house appears on Capitol broadcasts, you can see her house, too, right on the corner. I remember in one, she was peering out of the window at the cameras."

Viola laughed, though I wasn't sure why. "So, are you trying for an alliance with Olivia?"

I pressed my lips together, remembering how rude Olivia was being to me of late. Maybe she was really just a stupid, stuck-up rich girl after all. "No. I actually have my own ally, Asa Jocephas, from District 9."

"The mute boy?" Viola asked, appearing surprised.

How rude, I thought, but I nodded. "He's really resourceful and really, really smart. And he knows everything to know about healing." I gave a pause. "I don't think that I made a bad decision. Asa will really help out in the arena. I'm sure of it."

*Alesana Roma's POV*

I was nervous to an extreeme measure. My stylist had dressed me in a knee-length blue and green dress, with ripples leading from the front and ending in a six foot train. It was rediculous to walk in, and I spent the whole day relearning how to walk. I took my carefullest, most perfect steps towards Ceaser, wanting to hurry for the safety of the seat, but scared of falling.

"Hello, Aleesona," Viola tried my name unsucessfully.

Grateful for an easy conversation, I corrected her, "It's Ale-(like eh)sana."

Viola laughed, "My bad. I'm horribly sorry."

"Don't be," I told her, surprised how easy the conversation was coming to me. "It is an irrregular name, even in District 4. No one ever seems to know exactly what to think of it. And don't even get me started on 'Roma.'" The crowd chuckled in appreciation, and I was gratified. I wasn't pulling off the witty attitude I was supposed to be trying, but at least I was likeable.

"So, Alesana," Viola began again, saying my name correctly this time, "tell us about your home life."

I took a deep, slow breath. The hardest question he could ask. None of the other tributes had been directly asked about their home life. But I can hear Panem waiting, straining to hear, and I answered, "I work on the boats, diving down to set the nets for the fish, on the boat, Queen's Pearl."

"I'll bet your really good at swimming," Viola was trying to help me.

"I am," I reassured her. "and tricky, too. Fish are smarter than you'd ever think. It's hard to trap them." I sighed, running a hand through my loose hair. "I miss the sea."

"But aren't you the sea?" Viola asked, motioning to my dress.

I smiled. "I guess so."

"What about family?" Viola asked. "Is there anything you want to say to them?"

I sighed and looked her in the eye. "I don't have any."

*Tanner Wyatt's POV*

The crowd was unhappy that my district partner's time was up right as she was opening up. But I knew that it was for the best. Alesana didn't have a lot of friendliness in her, even towards me, but I figured it was just because of the Games. They changed people. But I still wished the best for Alesana. She hadn't trained for nearly as long as she should've, prefering to stay in the sea. Then she was reaped, and no one volunteered for her. It was her own fault, really, that she wasn't prepared.

My bright blue shirt and pants, fairly plain, were decorated with scales, like I was a fish. They were short, so that my muscles were easily seen. Of course, the prep team had worked on making them look larger, and more noticable. I flexed them slightly as I went up, remembering my mentors's instructions to show off my supirior strength. The moment I sat down, Viola did the work for me, complimenting me left and right. I mainly grunt in response for the first minute, prefering to stay silent as normal.

"So, Tanner, tell us what you think of the other Careers," Viola finally requested.

I'd have to talk for this one. But what could I say? Risking offending the other Careers could result in a direct, painful death. And I wanted to come out as victor. "They're dangerous," I finally decided, keeping my words slow and few so that I wouldn't have to talk much. "but so am I, when I want to be."

"That's good to hear," Viola said. "so long as you don't try and attack me." There was some laughter, and I shook my hands to say that I wouldn't. Viola then asked to hear about my family.

This came easier to me. "I have six siblings, three older, three younger. My sister, Queenie, is the oldest, and then my brothers, Grant and Pierce. Then me. Then my sisters, Nore, Kin, and Liiy. Liiy is just a baby, only a few months old." I couldn't keep a smile from my face as I imagined little Liiy. She was still so small and innocent, so far from the brutality of the Games. I loved my family, but I was typically ignored by them and everyone else because I was so quiet. Now they couldn't ignore me, not now that I volunteered for the Games.

"And your parents?"

"They're old, and they have to work really hard fishing to keep us all fed," I admitted. "and they can't really give us all the attention we should get because there's so many of us and they're so busy."

Viola looked apolegetic. "They can't ignore you now."

I grinned in agreement. "No, they can't."

*Ivy Willow's POV*

I smiled at Viola as she introduced me. My mentor had wanted me to play mysterious, but I found myself listening to Lystra's suggestion of playing likable instead. It was certinly much easier, and felt more like me, anyway.

"Exciting night, huh, Viola?" I asked

She smiled. "It always is."

"A little confusing, too," I admitted. "There's so many tributes, you know. I'm sorry, but I don't have anything so exciting to add."

Viola shook her head. "I don't believe it. What about the alliance that you are in with Olivia Knox and Estella Mason?"

"Oh," I said. "that. Well, they're all really nice people, and honest, too. I'm doubtless that they are trustworthy, too. They taught me a lot in the training area. I can throw a knife pretty well now. And I learned all about roots, berries, making fires, and all sorts of stuff."

"So you all work well together?" Viola asked.

I nodded. "Yes. We do. You know, when people are in the same situation, and they're similar people, they just ... band together. That's exactly what we've done, and it was the smartest move I think I've made yet."

"So you place your faith and confidence in these people you've just met?" Viola asked.

"I do. Because I have to. The alternative is ... loosing my head in worry."

"What about the girl you volunteered for ... Holly?" Viola changed the subject quickly.

I grimance. "Oh. Holly's my best friend. That's all."

"No disabilities? You volunteered awfully quickly." Viola pointed out.

I bared my teeth, moved by sudden anger. "No. None at all. She's just my friend."

*Dimetri Wiren's POV*

I smirked at Viola. "Hey, Viola."

She smiled at me. "Hello, Dimetri." What a pathetic excuse for a human being she was! All of these Capitol people were, that is. "How do you feel about your chances in winning these Games?"

"They couldn't be much better," I raised my eyebrows, daring her to contradict me.

She did. "Even better than the Career's?"

I snorted. "Look at them! They're just as pathetic as the rest of us! No, this year's my year. I've got this." I could tell that the audience was responding well to my confidence. And shouldn't they? I was definetly going to win this!

"Do you have any alliances?" Viola asked me.

I sneered at my fellow tributes. "Only one was good enough for me - Zola Ravon."

"Zola Ravon," Viola repeating. "What about her, exactly, made her better than everyone else?"

"Well ... as Onyx put it, she's not sore on the eyes. But, same as Onyx and Tawny, it's just a little fun. I'd have no problem killing her. In fact, that's just more of the fun, and I look forward to it." I laughed out loud, though no one else did.

"Do you have any comments about your training score?" Viola wanted to know now. I wanted to push her away and talk to the cameras myself, but I force myself to put up with her.

"Yeah. It should've been higher."

Viola looked shocked. "But it was very high for a non-Career district..."

"But it wasn't a 12," I snapped. "and I only accept the best." My time was almost up. "Don't worry, Viola. We can talk about this later, when I'm back on this stage."

*Lia Scott's POV*

I looked strangely alien, I thought when I looked into one of the many screens across the square, what with my red and pink stencils all about my skin, making me look a tangled mess. My dress, pink and red and oddly harmless, was meant to make me look innocent. But the effect was ruined by the stenciling.

"I love your outfit," Viola told me.

I wanted to reply that I hated it, but remembered to be a sweet but tough little girl. So I smile and say, "Thanks. My stylist and prep team are just the best, making me pretty. We don't really have reason to be pretty back in District 6."

"How about they stand and take a bow?" My stylist and prep team were only too happy to comply. The audience cheered for them, and when they were done, Viola continued, "So, District 6. Transportation. Do you help with the work? Or are you still too young?"

Seeing the need to reassure her that I was tough, I barred my teeth like Ivy did. "Of course I did! Just because I'm twelve doesn't mean I'm a hopeless, useless, lump!" I sighed, and continued before Viola could comment. "I help work the engine on trains, and clean up the cars when they're done. I've worked on some of the nicest trains in Panem!" I puffed out my chest proudly at this.

Viola smiled. "I'm sure you have. All the trains probably want you on their crews."

I smiled, agreeing to exaggerate a little bit. "They all do. How did you know, Viola? Are you just that good at your job?"

"You're the one who's good at their job," she told me. "I'm sure you're absolutely amazing." A pause. "So, you are also in the alliance that Estella Mason set up?"

I nodded. "Yeah. And don't think that I'm they're weak link. I've got an amazing memory. I remember almost everything I hear or see. I learn really quickly. I remember almost everything those trainers said in the training area. Don't count my out, Viola. I can still win this thing, even if I'm young."

Viola smiled and patted my arm. "Of course you can, dearie. I wouldn't count you out in a thousand years."

My timer went off and I retured to my seat, handing over the spotlight to my idiot partner, Hamlet. He was so nervous, he could hardly speak. I actually feel a bit of pity for him. At this rate, he'll be the first death at the Bloodbath.

*Lucia Laveau's POV*

After threatening my stylist several times to unleash spirits upon him, he agreed to let me wear the traditional clothes of my voodoo ancestors. As I walked up to join Viola, I could feel the crowd studying my skimpy, bright and dull, wonderful outfit. My prep team had even stenciled in the markings of some of my favorite spirits all over my showing skin. Viola stared at it a moment, struck dumb, before remembering to start the timer.

"Well, Lucia, I think we all want you to tell us about your outfit," she said.

I grinned savagely. "I am dressed in the traditional ancestrial clothes of the voodoo of District 7."

"Voodoo?" Viola must have been dumb, I decided. "I think you had better tell us more about this, Lucia."

"Happily," I said. "Voodoo is a religion commonly practiced in District 7 that worships the spirits, the dead ones, all around us. A Priestess, like my Grandmother, can harness the powers of the spirits and use the power to do their bidding. I am currently training to become a Priestess, and I can already hear the spirits all around me, whispering to me, telling me what to do..." I casted my head downward, my dark hair falling all over my face, as was my habit, and closed my eyes. I could see shadows of purple, green, and blue all around me, whispering to me... "They are speaking of you right now, Viola." I told her.

I couldn't see her with my eyes closed, but I was willing to guess she jumped. I heard her squeal, "They are?"

"They are," I confirmed, "and the others, too."

"What others?" Viola's voice is reverent, as it should be.

I let my hand spin towards a tribute. My favorite spirit, whose symbols are etched into my skin so that I can easily communicate with it, whispers to me about the person my hand points to. "Naomi Slater," I announced, "has something powerful." A gasp came from the little girl, I thought, but my hand was moving. "Tawny Cadell holds a secret from all but the one she trusts the most and least, Onyx Remington, who has doubts. Indigo Stornwell is scared, and Estella Mason is too, but of herself. Zola Ravon uses someone else, Dimitri Wiren is lost in fantsay. Tanner Wyatt has a secret, but no telling, no telling!" I laughed insanely, happy at being back, so close to the spirits. "And the spirits smell their blood! And ... they are hungry, and I shall feed them!" I was collapsing into hysteria. When my timer beeped, I returned to my seat, and laughed through my district partner's interview.

*Zola Ravon*

It was hard to pay attention to the boy from District 7, Krettle, I think his name was. Lucia had just spilled many secrets that ought to have been kept. And talking about hearing voodoo spirits ... it was all a bunch of hogwash, of course. But Lucia had stolen the attention of everyone, and was still laughing loudly through her partner's interview. However, by the time it was my turn, she had quieted down, for which I was thankful. I strut up, showing off my dress, which shows off my curves, which shows off me. Funny how that works.

"So," Viola was still obviously shaken from Lucia's interview, but she had made an effort to pull herself together. After all, she was just a Capitol woman, wasn't she? Too much excitement could easily make her unstable. "Zola. You are in an alliance with Dimitri Wiren?"

I nodded, making it a full body movement to show off more. Boys in the audience (and maybe some girls, too - you never know) would be drooling. "Dimitri's really confident, which is really cute. But he's right. It's just fun. And eventually killing him is part of the fun."

"There's no boys back home?" Viola wanted to know.

"There's lots of boys back home," I corrected her. "In fact, all of the boys back home ... well, what can I say? When you've got it, you've got it, and when you don't..." she laughed. "Well, just look at Tawny over there," I motioned to the girl, who was concealing clenched fists poorly. "She's worried about my stealing her Onyx." I winked at the boy, who didn't even attempt to hid his attraction to me. "Of course, I could, but I've got Dimitri to think about here. That's never stopped me before, though. If I decide I want to ... Well, I'm sure Onyx wouldn't mind changing girls."

Viola blinked slowly, letting this sink in. She was so stupid! I wanted to laugh at her. "Game stratagies?"

I leaned in, as if it were a secret I was about to tell. Viola leaned in too. "Let them all love me."

*Viveca Celeste's POV*

Zola Ravon's district partner proclaimed that he loved her, which made me shake my head in disbelief. There had been too much excitement tonight, it seemed. But no one's eyes were leaving the screens of their televisions as I made my way up to Viola. My long silver gown sparkled nicely in the lighting, and I was balancing the heals rather well. My stylist had even let me wear my token, a half moon necklace.

"Hello, Viveca," Viola greeted me. I inclined my head, nothing more, letting my dark red hair rustle about me. It added to the aura of mystery I was creating rather nicely, which was why my stylist had been persuaded to leave it down. Viola asked, "You are in Estella Mason's alliance?" I inclined my head again. "What are your strengths?" Viola tried again.

I made my voice distant and kept a cool expression on my face. "Knives. Bow and Arrow. Surviving. Brains."

"So you are smart like Olivia Knox, who is in your alliance?" Viola is trying her best to make me speak, but I refuse to say much, partly to keepe up my mysterious aura, partly because I was afraid of my voice wobbling.

I shook my head slowly, letting my red hair shake around my face. "No. She's smart. I'm clever."

Viola's orange eyebrows raised. "So you're more practical than her?" I nodded. "What about back home, Viveca? Who waits for you there, if you win? What will your life be like?"

My hand went automatically to my token, the half moon necklace. It had been Reaper's ... when Reaper was Reaped, there was a lot of laughter about his name, and I had been interviewed after he died, as his only connection, his girlfriend. His token had come to me. What would life be like if I lived? "My dad is home," I told Viola. "He's quieter than me, and a lot more trusting. I'd give him everything."

"Your boyfriend was Reaper Grain, who participated in the 26th Hunger Games." It wasn't a question.

Painful memories. No, staying distant was the best idea here. I'd gotten to person speaking about my father. I must appear mysterious! "He was."

"Was that hard for you?"

"Yes."

"You wear his token now, don't you?"

"I do."

"Do you care to talk about him?"

"I do not." My timer went off, and I returned to my seat.

*Asa Jocephas's POV*

I stood and passed Viveca to join Viola. I knew that she had told her alliance that I was not welcome because Torka was rude to her. I knew this was not the case - Torka was the nicest guy you'd ever meet. But I didn't hold a grudge on Viveca. She was sick. I could see that much from my many years of reading medical journals. But it wasn't sick like you'd think. She was sick like the rest of us were - sick at heart. Sick with longing to return to home. Sick with hoping that it would all just end. You had to be careful with sick people.

"Asa is mute," Viola announced to the crowd. "I, fortunately, have learned sign language, which he uses his hands to preform, and I will translate for you." Then she turned to be, as though I had just arrived. "Asa, tell us what you think of the Games."

It was a touchy question. Honestly, most people would have responded that it was sick and brutal. But I answered honestly, an answer taught to me by my father. 'The Games are the ultimate test of one's worth.'

"He says, 'The Games are the ultimate test of one's worth'," Viola's voice was emotionless as she recited back my words. But she was her usual self as she continued, asking, "You are eager to win and prove yourself?"

I nodded eagerly, and signed, 'Yes. To win the Games is the greatest honor. It would bring me closer to myself, and to the gorgous Capitol.'

After translating, Viola asked, "You do enjoy the Capitol, then?"

'Greatly. District 9 is nothing so exciting and grand.' I replied, and it was the truth. The Capitol was splendid, making my district look pathetic and laughable.

Viola translated, and then asked, "What is District 9 like?"

I considered, then responded, 'Boring.'

"What are your best chances of winning the Games? Any stratagies?"

My response came quick. Time was running out. 'I shall stay with Torka. I learned a great deal about surviving, and if either of us are hurt, I can treat us better than any medic back home. But I have a question for you, Viola. Something to look forward to.'

"What?" She looked surprised, and waited patiently for my answer.

'The victor recieves medical care from the Capitol,' my hands were blurring, moving so quickly for time to allott my question. 'Can your Capitol doctors heal my voice if I win?'

There was just enough time for Viola to translate, and then whisper, "I don't know. But we can try." and then I had to return to my seat.

*Harper Wesley's POV*

As I walked up to join Viola, I was careful not to trip on the four-inch heels and long train that my stylist had thought appropriate for me to wear. However, seeing some of the crazy designs that were etched into my fellow tribute's skin, I became increasingly thankful that my stylist had left me mostly to my own devices. She had left my olive skin only slightly polished, and the same to my brown hair. This was the work of my mentor, as well as the sleeve on my left arm cut short to show my pale scar, giving me the desired tough-girl look. With their combined efforts, I looked beautiful and tough.

"Harper, you are also in the large alliance begun by Estella Mason, correct?" Viola asked.

I cleared my throat roughly. "Yeah. And what's it to you?"

Avoiding my question, Viola asked, "How good of a chance do you think that you and your alliance have in the arena?"

I laughed out loud. "One of us will win. Estella can hit the target with her knives every time, and Lia knows everything there is to know. Viveca can disappear, which comes in handy, and Olivia can outsmart any enemy. Naomi ... well, as Lucia said, Naomi's got something poweful that I'll let her tell you about. But do you know what, Viola? There's only one winner. And that's me. I can do anything. My axe and knife skills are unbeatable, and I'll have no problem feeding myself in the arena."

"Your twin sister, Aspen, was reaped into the 23rd Hunger Games," Viola recalled. "I remember her. She couldn't have been older than fourteen..."

"Thirteen," I snapped. "She was thirteen."

Viola nodded, fake sympathy seeping through her features. "And do you, like Viveca Celeste, hold your sister's token?"

I wanted to deny it, but they'd all see it in the arena, so why lie? "Yeah. Yeah, I do. It's a wooden locket, with pine needles in it. Aspen loved the pine tree in our backyard. When she was reaped, I ran to get some."

"How did you deal with Aspen's death?" Viola whispered.

I didn't like where this conversation was going. "I was all right," I replied gruffly. "Dad wasn't, not for a long time, but I was. I never had any friends, so no one but Dad worried about me. I got my dog, Pine, and everything was fine."

"Everything?" Viola asked.

"Everything," I snapped. "Don't underestimate me. I'm not the softie my sister was."

"She was killed by her ally from District 5," Viola recalled. "Ivy Willows is your ally, too. How do you feel about that?

"Let by-gones be by-gones," I said. "My sister is dead. Nothing can be done about it." But I saw the disbelief in Viola's eyes, and heard it in my voice. My timer went off, and I stomped back to my seat.

*Estella Mason's POV*

Patric, Harper's district partner, was dressed in a rediculous magenta suit, with the buttons undone so that it flapped around him wildly. He was only thirteen, and actually broke down in front of Viola and Panem when he talked about his family back home. I had to turn away from this interview, the first, because I knew that I couldn't win without him dying.

When I stepped up, the crowd's eyes fixed on me. My breath quickened slightly, and I glanced up to Lystra for reassurance. There was her soft smile, and Kayton beside her. I took a deep breath and sat down, smoothing my golden skirt as I did so.

"Hello, Estella," Viola smiled at me and I returned it easily. How often I had practiced this with Lystra, back home, in District 11. "So you have assembled a rather large alliance. Are you following in your mentor and friend, Lystra's path?"

I nodded. "Estella and I talked a few times about what stratagies worked in the Games, on the off chance that I would one day be in them. Turns out, it was a good thing we talked." My smile is now sad. "Anyway, my stylist, Vincent, seems to think it best that I go through these Games as Lystra did." I motioned to my golden outfit, nearly identical to the one Lystra had worn to her interview.

"Ah, yes, the Golden Apple," Viola nodded and smiled. "I remember. I suppose that you two are from our Golden Apple Tree, eh?" She chuckled, and I did, too. Not that I was amused, but being friendly with Viola was smart. "Do you think that you have the best chance of winning the Games?"

"Next to the Career, yes," I said automatically. "Lystra taught me a lot about surviving in the wild, and throwing knives, and things like that. She'll be able to get me lots of sponsors, too."

Viola jumped on my comment about throwing knives. "Miss Harper Wesley mentioned that you could hit the target every time. Does this explain your 11 in training?"

I smiled. "I'm not supposed to tell much, but yes. I throw the knives well." I glanced up at Lystra, who was motioning me to go on. "I can also tell what plants are poisionous and not, from working in the fields, and what water is good, too. I have good judgement of people, and I'm confident that the alliance can go far."

Viola nodded. "Well, thank you, Miss Mason. I'm afraid our time is up. I think we all mean it when I say good luck to you!"

"Oh, Viola," I smiled grimly. "I won't need it."

*Cletus Rempburg's POV*

I felt silly in the Capitol clothes, but I stomped up to Viola, sneering at Estella, the Golden Girl, as I passed her. Viola smiled at me, saying "Hello, Cletus," in her annoying Capitol accent.

"Viola." I replied, relying on Kayton's instruction to keep myself from bursting into yelling and screaming madness. All the same, my hands were clenched in fists in my lap.

"Tell us about your family, Cletus," Viola requested.

It was the perfect opening for the story I had to tell - the story I wanted to tell. Estella Mason had to be held accountable for her crimes somewhere where Lystra Fay Gull's popularity could not protect her. And here in the Capitol, in the Games, was the best chance I had to get my revenge. "They're dead." I told Viola flatly.

Her hand reached out to take mine comfortingly. "I'm so sorry."

I shook her hand away. "They were murdered," I told her. "by someone in this room. Estella Mason." There was a gasp of surprise, and cameras found Estella's grim and frustrated face. "She has been training with Lystra Fay Gull for years, learning how to murder people. My family, my parents and five siblings, were the first she murdered. She snuck in our house at night, and stabbed them all. I barely got away." My eyes were dark, my hulking form still.

"Estella murdered your family?" Viola was blank.

I nodded. "And Year was only a baby, a few months old."

"Estella murdered ... a baby?" Estella was shaking her head forcefully, mouthing, 'no' but was unable to speak. Her time was up.

"She did. And she almost murdered me."

Viola blinked several times before replying, "And she was not punished or tried for this?"

I shook my head. "Her popularity given to her by Lystra protected her." I let this settle and then grinned, rumbling, "But it will not in the arena."

*Naomi Slater's POV*

My baby blue and soft yellow dress makes me look far younger than 12. Of course, my mentor, Trey, had completely given up on me, going as far to call me useless and a hopeless case. Instead, he and the stylists had put all of their efforts and hopes into my district partner, Steven, who was from the merchant class and could at least use a fork and knife properly. And, of course, that was how those useless people placed value upon us. Our ability to eat properly.

Viola greeted me, and I nodded to her in response, twirling the Mirror Necklace around in my hand. Viola took the bait. "So, Naomi, two tributes have mentioned that you hold something of power. Is it, by chance, the necklace that you have strung around your neck?"

I nodded slowly. "It's called the Mirror Necklace," I tell her. "and it's very, very pretty."

Viola glanced at it momentarily, and all the cameras became fixed upon it, too. "It is pretty," Viola agreed. "How did you come into the possession of this Mirror Necklace, Naomi?"

"It was my mother's," I said. "and her mother's before that."

"So it is passed down through the generations?" Viola asked.

I nodded. "My sister used it once, by accident, long ago, when she was too young to remember. So now, she doesn't believe in the power of the Mirror Necklace. But my grandmother knew, and my mother knows, and so do I. I have faith in its power."

"What exactly is its power?"

I took a deep breath. I was not supposed to speak of the Mirror Necklace's power to anyone, but, in this case, I thought my mother would understand why I spoke. "My family has the blood of kings of old. The Mirror Necklace was forged for a great queen for her use in a single time of need, and for her daughters after her. The Mirror has the power to change one's appearance once and only once. Then, its power can be used to return the user to her original appearance. Once used, the Necklace is useless but to her female kin."

Viola was silent a moment. "So you are yet to use the power of the Necklace?"

I nodded. "And I shall only use it in my time of greatest need."

"Are you sure that it works?" Viola asks, voicing the concern of Trey, Steven, and the others. I snorted in my most convincing manner and promised her that it did.

After me, Steven was so nervous, his words were slurred. I glanced up at a furious Trey, happy to see him proved wrong. Turns out, his favorite tribute bombed the interview, and his "hopeless case" shone in the spotlight without any coaching. It was obvious that I would be coming home to District 12 as the victor of the 27th Hunger Games - not Steven.

So... sorry about how long it was... but it was all one chapter, and i wanted to make it good enough for everyone's tributes. Anyway, your own tributes aside, who do you think is going to win? Who are you rooting for?