Aeron Swan

"And welcome our host for the night, Ms. Augusta Messala!"

If I were to describe Augusta I would use 'over-the-top'. She's adorned in make-up of purples and blues. Her face looks sickly pale and is powdered with purple, and she's wearing more feathers than a bird. Her short hair is made even shorter by the tight curls forming across her scalp. I think she looks absolutely ridiculous.

I stand in a line with the other 24 tributes. All of us wear gorgeous outfits that could be sold to pay for a District 12 citizen's meal for a month. I smooth my gown down. The leaf pattern on the dress shimmers with every move making it look as if they are falling from the dress. The fabric is the cleanest white I've ever seen and I'm afraid of it picking up dirt. I must only wait in line for Jade and Glitter, and then I will be able to go.

I can't help but stare at my stomach. I am not showing yet, and the dress conceals everything anyways, but I still feel paranoid. I wonder how the Capitol will react to knowing they are sending in a pregnant tribute. If I die the innocent baby will die as well.

Augusta welcomes Jade who babbles on about her rich life. I know she's in our alliance, but I really didn't want it that way. It was Noah who invited her and Glitter in. After seeing her low score yesterday my suspicions were confirmed. I knew she was incompetent even though her district seemed to have so much faith in her when she was reaped. She's a fake if I ever saw one.

She's wearing a soft pink gown and I can tell she's trying to seem innocent. She shows off her jewels and talks about her easy life in District 1. She tells Augusta she's ready for the games and that she hopes she will do her district proud. Whatever. All I know is that she better watch her back.

Glitter is next. I can tell he's nervous. He actually looks quite handsome, but he is having trouble pulling it off. He spends most of the interview staring at his feet. Hair falls in his eyes and across his face, which makes it even worse. The Capitol does not approve and Augusta cuts his interview quite short.

"And now we welcome our first tribute from District 2. She had the highest score of her other female tributes! Welcome Aeron Swan!"

The crowd erupts into applause, and I feel Noah's hand grip my shoulder. That's his way of wishing me luck and I make my way to Augusta who welcomes me with open arms.

I focus on my steps rather than the noise that fills the studio. I am afraid to fall or trip on my dress, but I make it to my seat unscathed. I give my best smile to the crowd and they cheer louder.

"So Aeron do tell us: how have you enjoyed the Capitol so far?"

I feel myself go into auto-pilot.

"Oh it's so wonderful. I wish I could take everything home with me to District 2. It's just so luxorious, and I can't even begin to talk about the food."

Augusta's laughs rings like a chime and fills the studio. "I will agree with you there. So Aeron what was life like for you back in District 2?"

"It was great. My mother and father are wonderful. I danced and rode horses. I was always active."

"No wonder you got such a high score," Augusta says. "What's your secret then if you care to share with us?"

I laugh louder than necessary. "Well I can't give everything away," I say as I wink to the crowd, "but I have something the other tributes do not."

Augusta leans forward, intrigued. "Do tell."

"My parents are both surgeons. I've learned from them about the human body. I can even perform some surgeries."

"Wow! Are you expecting to have to use this?"

"No I hardly doubt I'll be performing surgery! Having the knowledge though is helpful. I know how to kill and I will."

"Looks like you're going to be a tough contender Aeron. I have one last thing to ask you. Is there anything you would like to say? Anybody at home you want to send a message to?"

Here's my chance.

"Yes I do. I want to tell my best friend Demi that I love and miss her. More importantly though I have something to say to my boyfriend Lively."

The audience begins talking softly. I have gotten their attention.

"I want to tell Lively that I am going to win. Not only for him and my family, but for our new family member."

I instinctively put my hand over my stomach and right away I know my message was received. It takes a second to set in before the audience goes crazy. They murmur to each other, some gasp, others shout insults. They are not happy.

Augusta clears her throat. "Wow that's amazing. Thank you for that Aeron."

She reaches for my hand and I take it. "Aeron Swan." She says again, but nobody claps for me now. I smile and wave before bounding off the stage. I pass Noah who raises his eyebrows at me. He is not surprised; he had already suspected it, but he is shocked that I announced it.

David Hammer

Now that District 2 girl has announced that she's pregnant, there's no way any of us will be noticed now. Being in District 7 means being smack dab in the middle. I must wait for these bumbling idiots before I can go.

Noah rounds off District 2. He is not able to reach the intensity of Aeron's interview. He makes a comment that he is a guy who is merely in the wrong place at the wrong time. Isn't that the case for all of us? Nobody asked to come here, except for Orion maybe. He tells the Capitol that he doesn't necessarily want to kill, but he is capable and will do it under any circumstances. Yesterday Noah received a nine. Maybe I would have shook him off before, but now I know I must be careful.

Athea goes next; her interview is boring. She answers every question with a mysterious reply that seems like it must be analyzed and interpreted a certain way. That's District 3 for you, they can never just come out and say what they mean. Then Lucian approaches the stage. Though his clothes actually fit him for once, he does not give off a good impression as far as looks go. Augusta asks questions and he rattles off about terms that nobody in the room will understand. He's trying to be a show-off, but it's not really working. He must realize this because before I know it he's trying to gain sympathy. It begins with the sadness of losing his projects, and then develops into full-blown tears. The Capitol pities him. I can see it in their faces. Great, way to steal my already made plans.

And now it's District 4 with Mikaela and Shoal. Mikaela's interview catches my attention. She talks about being a Capitol citizen. Augusta asks her if she was torn between her rebellion parents and her brother who lived in the Capitol. She shakes her head no, and Augusta goes ventures to ask who side she was on. I know what Mika wants to say. Of course she was on her parent's side, but she's not going to admit she's a rebel to the entire Capitol.

"My brother's of course." I knew it.

Shoal is next. He plays the funny and likeable guy and gets along well with Augusta. I am not convinced. I've seen him wondering around our floor late in the night. He sneaks around with Alice, and she allows him to. I want to warn her to look out for herself, but she'll never take me seriously.

Two more districts left. Dorien Oakfree doesn't reveal much to Augusta and so her interview is short. Then Escule makes up for Dorien's silence by babbling on and on. I tap my foot impatiently, and sigh. Alice turns to look at me, and I shoot her my best smile. She falls for it and smiles back.

One more district left. Stephanie Fox tries to be sweet and likeable. In my opinion Stephanie is a waste of air. I don't think she'll last long, actually I'll make sure she doesn't last long.

Jasten is next. I'm actually looking forward to seeing how this goes. I have recruited Jasten as my ally for reasons nobody else knows about. I wandered down to the training area early the first day with the intention of training alone where nobody would see my real skills. That's when Jasten was brought down with a man who looked like a doctor. He was talking to somebody on the phone. By the sounds of it the man on the other end was the one and only President Riddley. I hid among the dummy targets so I would not be seen. There the doctor informed the president that the procedure was done. They had re-wired and re-animated Jasten's brain to turn him into some kind of killing machine while keeping his temper tantrums under control. The Capitol now had full control of his brain, his actions, and decisions. That was when I decided to get Jasten on my side. My decision could be potentially deadly, but it will be worth it. Nobody will expect us.

Jasten is calm during the interview, but he has no idea what to say. He just says whatever he wants, and none of it makes sense. The Capitol seems to like him. He is after all a cute thirteen-year-old with his red hair and lopsided smile. As expected he does not erupt into attack mode. The doctors have made sure of that.

Now I just have to wait for Alice and then it will be my turn to make an impression.

Alice wears a red dress, and shoes. Her dark hair contrasts against it and is pulled back with flowers again. These ones are white. She is pretty, and I know why Shoal has gone after her. He doesn't deserve her though, not when he has something going on with Mika on the side.

I don't hear much of Alice's interview. I am lost in her beauty and next thing I know she is walking off and I'm being called out.

"Hello David, you can take a seat."

I sit down and fold my hands across my lap. My mother says polite manners are important in winning others over.

"So you're one of the youngest tributes here. How does that affect you?"

"It's very hard. I feel like everyone is looking at me and thinking I'm a weakling." I frown and throw in a sniffle for effect. "It's not my fault I got a low score yesterday. I'm so young and… and…" I cover my eyes.

Augusta frowns, faking sympathy. She doesn't care. "Take your time David."

"I just don't know as much as everybody else."

Sometimes I lie so well I start to believe myself. I could've gotten a high score, but that wouldn't have matched up with my plan.

"Well David, I'm sure I speak for the rest of the Capitol when I say we will be cheering you on."

I form a weak smile. "Thank you so much. The people here are so wonderful. I hope to go home and tell my mother all the great things I've gotten to experience."

"Tell us about your mother David. I'm sure she's very proud of you."

"She works really hard. Dad works hard to. I have three younger brothers and I help to take care of them. I love them all and I hope I can go home and be able to help out taking care of the things my parents cannot."

"Wow, sounds like you work just as hard as your parents."

"I try my best. I only wish that they are proud of me."

The audience is looking at me with sympathy. Some dab their eyes. I hope they feel horrible for letting such things happen. Twelve-year-olds fighting eighteen-year-olds? That's not fair at all.

"I'm sure they already are. We wish you the best David." She grabs my hands in hers and smiles. "David Hammer!"

Applause fills the room and I saunter off the stage. I don't let anyone see the smile that has formed on my face.

Orion Kelsey

What a weakling. At least he could've tried to hold back his tears and gone down with some dignity. Twelve or not I don't care. I'll kill him if nobody else will.

Audrey stands in front of me, and I ignore the urge to reach around her tiny neck and snap it. Tomorrow will be the day I can. She better hope she isn't anywhere near me when that timer hits zero.

Audrey goes on about her skills and her versatility with weapons. She wants to make herself seem clever and brave, but I know she will fall easily. I hold my laughter in when she says that she has the ability to make it far. Not if I have anything to do with it she won't.

Audrey leaves the stage and I'm called next. The Capitol has seen me before, but this doesn't keep them from gasping in surprise at my massive body and bulging muscles.

I unleash a battle cry as I make it to my seat and Augusta's eyes widen. The Capitol begins cheering. I am the tribute they want, the one who will keep the action going.

"Hello Orion, that was some entrance. You seem as though you are ready for the Games."

"I am ready Augusta, and I'm pumped and brutal!" The audience begins clapping again and Augusta waits until it dies down.

"I'm sure your strategy is a secret, but do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

"Well Augusta I'm going to take it head-on. I'll rush into action and take control. I will not be crying in the corner like some tributes, or running away. I face my fears head-on"

"I guess we will get to see a lot of action from you then."

"You better believe it!" I yell and the Capitol cheers with me.

"You are from District 8, so where does this offensive strategy come from? I'm quite curious."

"I am captain of my school's wrestling team. I remain undefeated and that's how it will stay. My physique and age also give me the strength and intelligence I need. I work on the loading docks, so work is basically like weight lifting for me. It keeps me strong."

Augusta nods her head. "Well thank you Orion. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot from you tomorrow if what you say is true."

"Yes ma'am, thank you very much."

I grasp her hand and she cringes a bit. "He has a strong grip." She laughs and holds my hand up. "Orion Kelsey, everybody."

Faunas Dunois

Kyra from District 9 approaches the stage next. Her movements are graceful, and confidence radiates from her. She charms her way through the interview, and Boxer Lightwood is next.

I watch her walk by and see Boxer turn to stare at her as she passes. I can't quite grasp the look he is giving her. Contempt? No it's not quite a look of hatred. Jealousy perhaps?

Boxer stands out in his purple shirt and pants. He acts a bit shy, but he is still charismatic. I'm sure his handsome looks are enchanting all the ladies in the audience as well.

District 10 is next and then Marilynn and then it will be my turn to approach the stage.

Scout Calloway answers all her questions with attitude, and a bit of sarcasm. However, she has everyone laughing by then end and River Belaqua is announced.

River tries to be strong and charming. He pulls it off with the audience, but not with me. Something about him irks me, and I hear Scout scowl as she walks by. They must not be getting along.

Marilynn is next, and I wish her good-luck. She smiles at me and gracefully crosses the stage. She is sweet, and her laugh rings like a chime. The next thing I know it's my turn, and I couldn't be happier to move my stiff legs.

"Faunas, it's nice to meet you. How are you enjoying yourself at the Capitol?"

"It's extravagant as I imagined. The training, however is not the best."

"What do you mean?" She eyes me curiously.

"Well I learned so much, but yesterday I performed to the best of my abilities and was only able to receive a 2," I cannot blame the Capitol for this. They would become angry. So I lie. "because I made an error. I was genuinely nervous. Now I worry that the viewers will not take my seriously, even though I know I can do well."

"That's terrible Faunas, surely you can win us back in the Games."

"I hope to win you all over right now."

She chuckles, "I'm sure the ladies are already won over once they saw you walk out here."

I hear giggling in the audience from a few of the girls. My face gets hot. Hopefully nobody notices my blushing, or maybe it'll be better if they do.

"So we can't forget the outburst from the little girl that day you were reaped. Was she part of your family?"

"That was my little sister Chrys. She isn't afraid to speak her mind," I laugh nervously. I remember how she bashed the Capitol with her words. I remember how scared I was that they would execute her.

"I try to keep her under control, but she does as she wants. She tries to be the parent in our household."

The audience laughs, and I laugh along with them. I suddenly realize how terribly I miss my brother and sister. Are Kale and Chrys watching me right now? Of course they would be. Chrys is probably cheering me on from all the way in District 11 while Kale sits on the couch not saying a word.

"I really miss them," I say.

Augusta smiles, "I'm sure they're proud of you."

Why does she keep saying that? Nobody is proud of us for coming here. This is meaningless slaughter. This is not something I would want my family to be proud of me for.

"I sincerely want to go home. They are everything to me."

Ashley Henns

Faunas' interview has left the audience in a somber stupor. Some of the more emotional are blotting their eyes with handkerchiefs. I want to lighten the mood, this is making me uncomfortable.

"Hello Ashley, you can have a seat right there."

"Hello Ms. Augusta. Please call me Ash."

"Alright Ash. Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do?"

"I'm an apprentice under my mother's training. She's our village healer and I want to be just like her."

"I bet you know a lot about medicine."

"Yes I do. Mother has taught me many remedies and how to make others feel better. She said that compassion is one of the most important traits that a healer must have."

"Those skills will certainly help you in the arena."

Not the compassion one, I think, but I hold my words. I get myself weird looks when I say things like that.

"Yes, I know all about plants, and curing others."

"You must, you did after all shock everybody by receiving a seven yesterday."

I smile. Iris told me not to discuss what I did at training. "The Gamemakers said I did something very unique," I lower my voice into a whisper, "it's a secret though."

Everybody laughs, and Augusta smiles at me. This interview thing isn't so bad.

Iris gives me a hug when I step off the stage and ascend down the stairs.

"You did wonderful my dear."

"I want to watch Daryl's interview."

I walk over to one of the screens that allows me to watch the interview live. Daryl is already sitting and talking to Augusta. She asks him about the people in his life.

"I care for one person and one only, and that's my little sister," he says to Augusta.

My heart drops. I thought Daryl cared about me. He wants to get back to his sister so of course he would try to win people over just so he can hurt them when they get in their way. I don't mean anything to him; I'm just another tribute to kill. At least I think I am? But maybe he didn't mean it that way. Sometimes mother tells me that people say things they don't mean. I am so confused. Should I trust Daryl or not? I wish my mother was hear to give me the answers like she always does. I want to run back to my room and cry, but I know I must be strong. Tomorrow I will be going into the arena and I must face my fears. Tears will not help me.