Interviews

Bennett DeValier (18) D1M

Was it too strange that I could not sleep a wink the previous night? It was four in the morning and my heart was racing too fast for my liking. What was I supposed to do? How would I interact?

The interviews were approaching.

At this moment all I wanted was my voice. Would anyone even understand sign language? How would I communicate?

Despite the pleasant coolness of the room I was sweating and felt slightly feverish. There could be- would be- taunts and I had little patience for those. Or I could play the sympathy card. Of course, during our time in the academy we were told to follow a certain angle but what about me? I was mute… no angle could work for me.

Tossing and turning in my bed, I let out a sound resembling a groan. I could produce sounds but I only did that when I was alone. I didn't want anyone to mock me.

Think of something else.

What else was there to think about? The alliance, our scores, the interviews…

It all came to that.

I sat up, unable to stay in bed any longer. Getting to my feet, I started pacing the room, sitting on the couch one moment and then on the bed then started walking again.

There was a knock on my door.

Admittedly, I was startled by the sound. Slowly walking to the door, I opened it cautiously, only to see Galilee standing in front of me, her hair dishevelled and an easy smile on her face. She was beautiful.

I grinned at her.

"Good morning," she said, looking at me and then around her.

I realised that I hadn't invited her in so I did that with a smile and she entered, settling herself on the armchair by the window.

"Nervous?" she asked.

I nodded. It wasn't hidden from her what I had to face back home, and what my worries were. She sighed and then called me over. Soon, I was standing beside her and she squeezed my hand.

"Don't worry," she said, "They're going to arrange a translator."

How do you know?

"They did once," she replied, "There was a boy from Nine a couple of years back who couldn't speak. So they got him a translator."

As soon as I heard the news I almost squealed. Except that I couldn't. Galilee took me into a hug and I didn't push her away, instead, I embraced her back.

When we broke away, I asked, why are you up at this time?

"I couldn't sleep either," she replied with a sigh, "I was a tad bit nervous too. And I haven't had any chance to cook so I'm a little frustrated about that."

Her face showed as if there was more than that. That there was certainly a reason good enough to rob her of her sleep, and she couldn't blame it all on her nervousness or cooking. I thought about asking but decided to not press the subject further. Nodding, I gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze and she smiled back.

"I think you have a couple of hours," she said, "Better get some sleep, Bennett. I think I should do that too."

And with that she was gone. I heard the door slam and frowned. There was something about her that wasn't quite right, that I didn't associate with a Career.

Was she afraid?

That was a dangerous thought but it could be true. Maybe she was afraid… after all she never really wanted to volunteer. A part of me hoped that she would be scared. That would heighten my chances of winning. But another part of me wanted her to stay strong and determined…

Don't worry Ben.

I looked at the bed. As of then, it looked quite welcoming.

Tab Hamasaki (17) D3M

Trembling. I was trembling.

This electric blue suit looked quite good on me and my hair had been spiked up and dyed in the faintest shade of blue. As such I looked pretty presentable but this was a stage. The whole nation would see me. I had to speak.

I had a right to be a little nervous. A little more than a little nervous actually.

Alissa Nightingale, the interviewer, looked absolutely stunning for the occasion. Alissa was new but she managed well. And she was pretty, with her dark brown hair falling in curls and her hazel eyes shining with enthusiasm. Everything aside, she actually looked like a human being, which was saying something when Capitolites were in question.

Maybe I had admired her beauty for a while too long because I blinked and then saw Galilee walking gracefully towards Alissa. The two girls shook hands and gave each a hug as if they were old friends and then they settled down.

"Galilee, you look stunning tonight!"

She did, in that very long and flowing black gown. It sparkled.

"Yes, the credit goes to the stylists. However, Alissa, nothing her can match your beauty. You look absolutely gorgeous."

"Why thank you Galilee. So tell me, are you enjoying your time here?"

"Of course. I love it here."

"You got a really admirable score of nine. Are you pleased with it?"

"Fairly pleased," she replied. I was certain she wasn't pleased but everyone knew what Lorenzo was like so it was a smart thing to do.

"What was your motive for volunteering? Was it because of honour or…?"

"Well, participating in The Hunger Games is a very glorious thing," she said, "And of course, that was part of the reason. However, another reason was that people usually assume girls from District One to be pretty but dumb. I want to prove them wrong. The girls of my District don't only have beauty but also brawns. I, for one, am here to compete, and compete I will."

"That's a very good reason, Galilee."

Her time was up and the two stood up and shook hands again.

"Give it up for Galilee Schwartz!"

The crowd was mad after her, even as she left waving and smiling at them. The cheers were deafening.

"And now, let's welcome the very handsome Bennett DeValier!"

I frowned as the ladies started swooning even as the boy approached. With those good looks, he was going to get all the sponsors. Why didn't I look that good? I wanted to be back with Siri and Ana already…

"Bennett, it's a delight to meet you."

The boy signed something and the translator, whom I had just noticed, said, "Likewise Alissa. Likewise."

The crows fell silent and I noticed the discomfort Bennet was having. His throat seemed to be dry and the crowd stayed silent.

"Bennett, you scored a nine! That's a truly impressive score. How do you feel about it?"

"Pretty good," the translator replied, "Although I wish I could get a ten like Amaranth."

"So, Bennett, any strategies for the arena?" Alissa said, trying to make sure that he didn't focus on the much silent crowd.

"Yes. And my allies are quite competent too."

"That's nice. So, what is the thing you liked best here, in the Capitol?"

"It has to be the people. You all are so wonderful. The people in the Capitol have been exceptionally kind and nice to me."

At that, the crowd finally broke into an applause, but it was more of a polite applause. It was as if they were underestimating him and I could see the hurt on his face. He smiled nonetheless when his minutes were up and departed with a hug.

"And now, let's give it up for the talented Olympia Rush!"

She took away my breath. The long grey knit dress with that low neckline looked beautiful on her, as well as the crown of pearls which added a really nice touch. If I ever went back home, I would try my best to get a dress like that for Ana. She would look stunning.

"Olympia! I've been eager to meet you!"

"Me too Alissa! Me too."

"So, how is everything? I hope you are enjoying yourself here?"

"A lot," Olympia answered confidently, "It has been fun here and I really enjoyed my time."

"Olympia, what do you think, how far do you see yourself going?"

"I see myself going far," she replied, "I have worked hard for these Games and I'll try my best to win them too."

Alissa smiled at her. "Do you know what placement has been predicted for you?" she asked in an almost casual manner.

"No," Olympia replied.

"The Capitol thinks that you can win this, Olympia. The predicted placement for you is first."

Olympia didn't look shocked at the news. Instead, she merely smiled and then turned to the crowd.

"Thank you for having faith in me," she said, "I will not disappoint."

The buzzer rang and it was time for her to leave. The crowd applauded crazily, chanting her name. she walked away in an almost regal way.

I didn't like this. Did I really have a chance? These Careers were something else that year.

The odds were not in my favour.

Olympia Rush (17) D2F

First placement? Honestly?

I was feeling giddy with delight. They predicted me to win this thing. They saw my potential. Of course, true potential couldn't really be hidden. I could win sponsors for the alliance and for myself too. That was a plus point.

Don't get overconfident.

Yes, overconfidence usually led to failure. I shouldn't get too proud. In fact, now that I thought of it, it could be a problem. My alliance could turn on me during the bloodbath itself…

"Amaranthine, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Nightingale," Amaranth said in his beautiful voice.

"Amaranthine, who do you think is the biggest threat here?"

"I think everyone here has a chance at victory," he replied, "However, the biggest threat at the moment seems to be Sevarian."

Why him? Sure, he got a good score but still. Why was he the biggest threat?

"Sevarian?! Why do you say that?"

"He has a fire in him, a fire to win, to live. And I have observed him during training. He's talented."

"Wow… That's interesting! Amaranthine, do you have anyone special back home?"

Amaranth blushed slightly at that and nodded.

"Yes, I do, Alissa."

The crowd gasped and I frowned. He simply admitted it here?

"Galatea, my mentor, my best friend, my everything. She's a remarkable young woman, Alissa. I can't help but love her."

The crowd 'aww-ed' and 'ooh-ed' at that.

"You scored ten dear. I'm very sure she's proud of you at this moment."

"Thank you Alissa. But it's the other way round. I am proud of her."

So when his time was up the cheers were as loud as mine. That was good and I shook hands with him when he came over to me.

"Well done," I said.

"Thank you."

"And now, let's welcome the adorable Quinoa Callus!"

I couldn't help but wonder what the girl would do. She was dressed in a pink frilly frock and almost skipped over to Alissa. The woman greeted her well and patted her cheek fondly.

"Lily, say hello!"

Alissa looked confused for a moment and I wondered what she would do but then she smiled.

"Hello there, Lily," she said, "You look beautiful tonight."

"So how's your time here?"

"I've enjoyed a lot!" Quinoa said truthfully, "The food was so good and Lily loved it too! There was also that shower and that was so fabulous! Lily and I are having a time of our lives."

"I'm glad to hear that. Did Lily help you in training?"

"Of course she did," Quinoa replied as if the question was absurd, "Lily always knows what to do. She taught me how to tie knots and to use a slingshot. It was easy."

The crowds were loving it. They told her that they believed that Lily was intelligent and showed sympathy in whatever way they could. maybe she would get sponsors.

"Have you got any allies, Quinoa?"

"Lily!" the girl exclaimed, "Oh and Tab. And also Oren. Yup."

I was almost glad when her interview was done. It was painful to see such a young girl suffering from such severe schizophrenia.

Tab was next and he looked handsome. His clothes suited him and made him look kind of formidable and cool at the same time.

"Tab, is it true that you, Oren and Quinoa are in an alliance?"

"Yes Alissa," he replied in a kind tone, "We needed allies, but Quinoa needed them the most."

"That's really sweet of you Tab."

"Thank you."

"What do you miss the most from home?"

"My family. My parents, my fiancée, my daughter. I miss them every moment."

What?! He had a daughter?! He was seventeen! I couldn't imagine the pain he was going through. He had a family and he was stuck here, in a death match.

Stop Olympia. You can't feel sympathy for him.

"You have a daughter?" Alissa asked in mild surprise, "That's so cute! What's her name?"

"Siri," Tab replied, looking as if he wanted to talk all day about her, but was restraining himself.

"That's a cute name."

"Thank you Alissa."

"Do you wish to convey a message to your family?"

"Guys," Tab said, "No matter what the outcome of this game, know that I love you all. You are my life. And I'll keep loving you till my last breath."

There. He had all the sponsors lined up now. It was evident in their cheers, the support they showed.

When Oceane made her way to the stage, the crowd basically went crazy. They chanted her name and she waved at them with a big smile, looking very beautiful in her turquoise coloured gown.

"Oceane, you look beautiful tonight!"

"So do you," she replied and then sat down.

"Oceane, you got a ten. That's impressive. Very impressive."

"Thank you Alissa."

"What do you think of your District Partner?"

"Well, he's a git."

I gasped. What was she saying?

"Just kidding," she said in a slightly sarcastic tone and then proceeded genuinely, "Victory can be annoying sometimes but he's a really sweet guy. And very determined too, so I am happy to have him as my District Partner."

"That's very sweet, Oceane. So, do you have an alliance?"

"Of course," she replied but pretty much everyone knew that Careers allied every year.

"Can you share with us who they are?"

Oceane laughed. "That will be revealed tomorrow," she said with a wink.

The Capitol loved it. The cheers were very loud and I smiled. The support would be invaluable to the alliance.

Quinoa Callus (13) D3F

"They are all so nice Lily," I said, "They can actually see you."

"I doubt they can," Lily replied.

"You are always thinking so negatively about everything," I chided and she just barked and snapped at my ankle.

"Stop that!" I squealed.

"Now ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for Victory Fervaix!"

"Alissa!" he said eagerly, "It's so amazing to finally meet you!"

Alissa laughed. She was a good lady. "Well, it's the same with me!"

"Sorry for stealing your line, by the way," Victory said with a wink and I laughed.

"Don't laugh," Lily muttered, "He'll try to kill you in there."

Yeah that was true. I stopped laughing immediately and frowned. How dare anyone try to harm me!

"Victory, do you have an alliance?"

"Of course!"

"And…"

"You guys will know about it tomorrow."

"Have you made any friends here? From among other tributes?"

"Yeah!" he replied, "Oceane, Bennett, Galilee, Fynn, Amaranth, Olympia and Cecelia."

"That's great! Who are you the closest to?"

"Um, I'd say Oceane? Because she is really supportive and she helped me a lot."

"Is that so? How did she help you?"

"She helped me learn about weapons."

"Weapons are gross," I said.

"They are important," Lily answered seriously, "I still think you should have learned something while you had the time."

"Oh shut up," I scoffed.

Cecelia was next and Alissa looked delighted to see her. The girl was charming and had an easy smile. I liked it.

"She's dangerous," Lily said.

Hmm…

"I love your dress Cecelia. It really compliments your dress."

"Thank you Alissa," she said with a smile.

"And you scored a seven! What's the secret?"

"There's no secret," Cecelia said playfully, "I can use a sword but I'm not that good with it."

"Your score speaks for you Cecelia."

"Why thank you."

"What do you think of the competition?"

"Well, they're all pretty tough," she said, "I'll have to watch out for them all and I won't underestimate any of them."

"She called me tough," I said, turning to Lily.

"That's her angle. She's faking."

"Cecelia, I think we all want to know the reason you volunteered. Volunteers from Five are rare, if any."

"I want to prove to my parents that…" her voice faltered.

"That?" Alissa pressed on kindly.

"That just because I like girls, I'm not useless. Or evil. I need to win to get my point across, that this simple fact doesn't define me."

The crowd fell silent for a moment and then broke into the loudest applause yet. Alissa nodded.

"I hope that, during your time in the arena, you're able to convey that message."

"I didn't get any of it," I said frankly.

"You don't need to," Lily replied.

The next dude was handsome, looking amazing in his tuxedo. But he always gave off those vibes that made me dislike him. He seemed to be the kind of person who couldn't see Lily and would mock me for that.

"Sevarian, I've been waiting to meet you."

"Same Alissa. I'd always wanted to meet you."

"Firstly, congratulations for your score."

"Thank you."

"Now, as we all know, Amaranthine said that he found you to be the biggest threat here. Can you enlighten us on why he would say so?"

"I honestly have no idea," he replied, although I knew he wasn't being honest. Meanie! Liar!

"Oh come on!"

"Honestly," he pressed on.

"Okay fine," Alissa said, "So, what do you think is important to win the Games?"

"I think being resourceful and adaptable is very important," he said, "One could have all the weapons, food, water, everything in the arena, but if one is not resourceful, they can never make good use of the items available to one."

"That's a really interesting point Sevarian. In fact, I can see why Amaranthine thinks highly of you. You're really smart and that always pays."

"Thank you Alyssa."

"Do you have an alliance?"

"Let's see tomorrow," Sevarian said with a light smile.

Alissa sighed dramatically.

"You guys do it on purpose? Making me so curious and excited?"

"Maybe," the boy replied with a sly smile and everyone laughed.

"He's going far," Lily said.

"He shouldn't," I replied, "He's a meanie!"

Next was Aileen, looking like a queen in her red dress. she had a smile but it seemed forced. I didn't like it.

"Aileen! I'm very happy to meet you."

"Same here. Glad to meet you Alissa."

"Aileen, what was your motivation behind volunteering?"

"My mom thinks I killed my sisters."

There was a very loud gasp from the audience.

"But I swear I didn't," she continued in a calm rage, "I was tired of her hate though she tormented me a lot through childhood for something I didn't do. I wanted an escape from her."

"We believe that you aren't guilty."

"Thank you."

"Aileen, do you have a special someone back home?"

"Yeah," she replied, "Eris."

"That's lovely! Can you tell us something about him?"

It seemed that Aileen would let her emotions show finally but she didn't. She said, "Yes. Eris is my best friend, my love and my life. If he hadn't been there, I don't know what would have become of me."

"That's sad," I said, "Her mom is a meanie!"

"She'll turn out to be a meanie too in the arena," Lily commented.

Next was Oren and I clapped along with the people. I just hoped he could impress the people…

Asher Ravenstone (15) D7M

I was feeling jittery now. Soon it would be my turn. How would I manage? What would I say? My legs were shaking and Rowan rested her hand on my shoulder to steady me. I nodded. Her turn was next and I didn't want to think how nervous she would be.

"Oren, is it true that you have an alliance with District Three tributes?"

"Yes," Oren replied calmly. He looked pretty… aloof.

"Why didn't you ally with your District Partner?"

"She wanted to go in alone," he replied simply, "I can't pressurise anyone to join me, can I?"

"True."

Alissa smiled at him but I could see the tiredness in her eyes. She was tired. And there was also a sadness. A Capitolite and… sad?

"So Oren, what is that you like?" she asked in a friendly way.

"Music," Oren replied.

"Music?"

"Yeah," he replied, "Music paints a picture in front of my eyes, every instrument indicates a different colour. It's the most beautiful thing ever."

"I'm sure it is. What painting does music paint in your mind?"

"Well, it's actually colours that appear for different instruments. They blend together to paint a picture; the way instruments are used to make a beautiful music."

"That's a very deep thought."

It was a very deep thought. Hmm, I wished I could see music in that way too. He could distinguish between sounds and voices then, which was a good advantage.

Why was I reaped?!

"Good luck Rowan," I said, giving her a quick hug. She thanked me and then started making her way towards Alissa confidently. She stumbled once, but then caught herself.

"Rowan!" the woman said, and they embraced for a short while. Women were weird.

"Rowan, aww, you look lovely!"

"Not as much as you," she replied with a smile.

I hoped she would manage well. Nah, this was Rowan, and she could manage everything well. Or so I liked to believe because without her I was doomed. I still couldn't get over the fact that she was ready to die for me, and this almost made me cry. I stopped myself in time though, this was neither the time nor the occasion to show weakness.

"Rowan, you too, volunteered for the Games, and I'm sure everyone here is wondering the same thing; why. Why did you volunteer, Rowan? Is it also about honour?"

"Of course," Rowan said, "Honour is always a reason for volunteering. But that isn't the only reason."

"So?"

Her eyes glinted at that. "There are some things that are better kept secret. Don't worry, it's nothing too important."

Alissa frowned for a second at that but then her smile was back and she said, "I'm waiting to know that secret."

"You'll have to wait a while."

"Very well then, torment me all of you!" Alissa said in mock exasperation.

Rowan laughed.

"So, what are your plans for the… beginning of the Games?" She carefully avoided the term 'bloodbath'. Smart lady.

"There's no plan whatsoever," Rowan said mysteriously, "Just go with the flow."

I loved her. Clapping loudly and encouragingly while she left, she beamed at me and showed me a thumbs up.

It was my turn. The walk up to the stairs seemed to be taking forever, my feet had turned to lead and I was perspiring, which wasn't good for all the makeup I wore.

"Asher, I'm delighted to meet you."

"I am delighted to meet you too," I replied and we embraced. She was pretty gentle and she patted my back kindly, almost sadly.

"You're such a cutie!"

"Thanks!"

"Asher-"

"You can call me Ash," I said.

"Aww, thank you Ash. You're so sweet!"

I blushed at her comment. The crowds were cheering my name and I felt nervous but confident at the same time. It was a strange feeling.

"How are you liking the Capitol till now?"

"I love you all!" I said. As such I did like most of the people… but the Games were still wrong. Not that I was going to tell them that. This situation had certainly changed me a lot.

"And we love you."

I grinned at that in a rather stupid way but it seemed the crowd liked it because they laughed and clapped.

"Have you made any friends here?"

"Yes! Rowan is pretty amazing! And so are-"

"So are?" Alissa asked eagerly.

I smiled childishly.

"For that you'll have to wait till-"

"Tomorrow," she said, "Come one Ash! Tell me!"

I shook my head at that and they all laughed again. The buzzer rang too soon and the we both stood up.

"It was fun talking to you Ash," Alissa said, as we hugged again, "And I hope we get to talk again."

I looked into her eyes. She looked as if she really wanted me to come out alive. I nodded at her and as I left, all I could hear was the echo of her words and the loud applause.

Cecelia Vertigo (18) D5F

I was pleased the way my interviews had turned out to be. I had gotten my point across and that's what mattered. One goal accomplished. Now I just had to win. If I was being honest, that was the actual hard part. But I could do it. I had to.

The girl from Eight, Cassidy, remained as shy as she had been all this time. I was honestly shocked with her five. In any other year I wouldn't be, but this year everyone knew how horrible things had been.

"How are you tonight?"

"I-I-" Cassidy tried to speak but was unable to do so. She opened her mouth to speak but she was clearly terrified. Stage fright. Hmm.

"You are speechless," Alissa said, "That means you're overwhelmed by the Capitol! Right?"

Cassidy nodded at that. Alissa was trying to help her out but she was too scared.

"Have you got any allies?"

"N-no," she managed somehow, her eyes darting between Alissa and the crowd.

"That's fine," Alissa said gently, "I'm sure you can do well on your own."

She didn't say anything on that, just nodded, her eyes full of fear. Despite myself, I smirked. She was definitely a bloodbath. Strangely enough though, nobody booed at her.

Burgundy had that optimism around him that everyone loved. He didn't score all that much but his enthusiastic personality compensated for that and the crowd was cheering for him.

"Alissa!" Burgundy said fondly as she greeted him.

"I'm glad to see your enthusiasm."

"When one is among so beautiful people, one becomes enthusiastic automatically."

"That's so sweet Burgundy!"

He smiled at her in a charismatic way. "Burgundy, what's the most interesting thing back in Eight?"

"There's more to the District than simple textiles. We also have some talent in designs and such stuff."

"That's cool. Any person you miss back home?"

"My family and friends," Burgundy replied, "And the members of my organisation."

"Organisation?"

"Yeah. We have an organisation to help people who have been assaulted inappropriately, whether they are men or women. We want to help them all out."

"That's a really good cause, Burgundy," Alissa replied, "And I can say on the behalf of the whole country that we're all proud of you."

"Thank you."

"Do you want to say something to someone back home?"

"Yeah. I want my family and friends to keep the organisation alive and active in all circumstances and work for the betterment of people who fall victims to such assault."

"Thank you Burgundy."

He really did have a good cause. I lowered my eyes. That was something I could have done for people like me. I could have helped them. Instead I chose to enter this death match. Maybe I should have thought about it once more.

Alessandra was next and she looked adorable, dressed like a princess in a green gown and a floral tiara. She had a really sweet smile and I grinned too.

"You look lovely, little princess!"

"Thanks!" she said with a childish smile. I frowned. Alessandra wasn't that childish after all.

"How are you feeling tonight?"

"Pretty amazing."

"Glad to know. Alessandra, who do you live with back home?"

"Mum, dad and Sorghum!"

"Sorghum is your brother?"

"Yep!"

"Do you want to tell us something about them?"

"Well, dad is an… alcoholic," she said somewhat sadly, "He's not abusive, no. He's pretty nice. But his addiction is too bad. Mum doesn't like it."

"Aww, that's sad."

"Eh, doesn't matter," she said, "We keep the bottles from him anyway."

"He doesn't look for them?"

"He does," she giggled, "And finds them too, but we hide them back."

Alissa laughed too. "I bet you all have some nice time too."

"Yeah we do."

"Favourite thing here, in the Capitol?"

"I like how well-mannered everyone is," she replied. Well mannered? She's worried about being well-mannered?

"Thank you Alessandra."

"Call me Aly."

The little girl had definitely impacted the people. I could see it clearly; they were betting on her. They were actually betting on her.

Next was Mateo and he looked absolutely stunning. His hair had been swept to one side and he was wearing a jet black blazer. Then he had that very charismatic and charming smile that anyone would love. I saw those girls swooning and shouting his name. I rolled my eyes. Seriously? That boy was fifteen.

"Mateo, I'm sure a talented person like you must have a few allies. Please share who they are?"

"I don't have allies, Alissa," he replied smoothly. I frowned. He certainly seemed to be someone who would have allies.

"You don't?" Alissa asked in surprise, "But why?"

"No," he replied, "I just thing I can do better if I'm alone. I tend to work better by myself."

"We believe in your capabilities," she said.

"Thank you," Mateo replied, "And that's all I need. Your support and kindness, your faith in me, are enough to provide that drive that I need to win."

"Do you think you can win?"

"Yes. I do. Everyone has a chance, and so do I."

He paused, and then as if something dawned on him he said, "But it can be anyone else too. Just stating the facts."

He was trying to win sponsors with wanting to stand out much. Smart boy.

I didn't know whether the next person was Arrington or Ivy. I hoped it wasn't the latter; she was annoying.

"Hello… Arrington," Alissa said cautiously.

"Good evening," the girl replied. Judging by her tone, she was Arrington. Good.

"So Arrington, how do you like Reynard?"

She frowned for a second then smiled, "I have to credit for tolerating me. You guys all know that I have… problems, but he's been really nice to me."

"It's nice to see that you two get along."

"Of course we will," the girl said I groaned as she crossed her legs and smirked, "He's an attractive man. Those are always nice to pretty girls."

"Ivy?"

"You guessed?" Ivy said with a wink, "Well, I am not really surprised. You can always see talent and brilliance for yourself, even if it's hidden."

"Have you got any allies?"

"My District Partner," she replied, "But I won't really mind any of you other gorgeous guys."

Beside me, Sevarian smirked. I chuckled lightly. This was interesting. Very interesting.

Mateo Dorsani (15) D9M

These people bought my act. I was going to win this, whether anyone liked it or not. Sure, there were things that were valuable, but not more than my precious life. I dreaded all the bad things I would have to do though. Killing, deceiving, manipulating, all of it. But I couldn't help it; fate was cruel in such matters. I just wanted to live.

"Reynard, what skills have you gained during your training days?"

"Quite a few," he replied with a light smile.

"Like?"

"Nothing much," he said, and then changed the topic, "You look lovely, Alissa."

She blushed and thanked him and I rolled my eyes. Why were these women trying to make his life miserable? Just let him focus.

"Are you and Arrington really allies?"

"Yes we are," he replied.

"Why Arrington only?"

"She's my District Partner," he replied softly, "We should stick together."

"Who do you think will win the Games?"

"It can be any of us, Alissa," he replied, "All of us have equal chances."

"And how far do you see yourself going?"

"That, I don't know," he replied, "But I will try my best to win. I really want to win it."

He was determined but had maintained a right amount of secrecy. Doubtlessly, he was going to go far. Maybe, in the later part of the Games, we could ally…

When Aspen came, the applause was loud but there was a good amount of booing too. I frowned. This wasn't right, just because she had buckteeth didn't mean that anyone could be so mean to her. But what could I say? It wasn't really my business.

"Aspen, you got a really good score! Congratulation!"

"Thank you," she replied, "But it's really because all the trainers worked so hard on me. they were friendly too, ad a person does well in a friendly atmosphere."

"That's very true."

Aspen smiled gregariously at the crowd, who in their confusion, stopped the booing. Alissa smiled mildly at that and then straightened her face again.

"What did you show them?"

"Um, a bit of fire and stuff."

She conveniently forgot to add works after fire. Haha. Although she should be glad that Alissa didn't comment on her suddenly better teeth.

"Okay… Can you guess what the arena will be like?"

"Not really, but knowing you amazing people, it will definitely be something fantastic."

Oh it would be fantastic, for the Capitolites. It was going to be a hell for the rest of us.

When Fynn came the crowd cheered very hard. I disliked him. He hadn't let me train properly; I planned on exacting my revenge. I just had to get to the arena and the moment would present itself.

"Fynn, I think everyone has been waiting for you. I'm really happy to meet you."

"No Alissa, it's my pleasure."

"That ten blew away the minds of many. We all want to know what you did in there."

"Well," he replied, this was a good opportunity to show off, "I used swords. And I showed them that I can strategize well. And working with ropes, knives. Yeah, that's it."

"That's a lot of talent! No wonder you volunteered, I can feel it that you'll do well."

And yet she said that with such dryness that it surprised me. Fynn, however, didn't look too bothered.

"Yeah, I volunteered to bring glory, and a victor, to District Eleven. And I know I can do it."

"We wish you the very best for it."

I was delighted when he left the stage. His presence was annoying, whatever anyone else said. And he didn't even let me train properly. Had I done so, I would have scored a seven.

Persephone was angry. She greeted Alissa with a fake smile and waved at the crowd with a certain exaggeration that I was sure was meant to be understood.

"Persephone, how do you feel like here?"

"Amazing! I mean, when a person is going into death-match, they'll obviously feel like dancing with happiness, right?"

Damn. That was something solid thrown at their face. The crowd was so thick-headed that they didn't get it but Alissa lowered her eyes a bit at the comment and nodded sadly.

"So, do you have any secret plans for the Games?"

"If I tell you it won't remain a secret."

"That's good point. Do you have anyone special back home?"

"Well yes," she replied.

"Who? Who is it? I think everyone here wants to know."

"Nah," Persephone replied and I raised my brows, "That's not important."

Alissa didn't press the issue any further but tried to wrap up her interviews as fast as she could, trying to make sure she didn't say anything that would land her in trouble.

Next was Bridge, and he looked adorable in the dark red jacket he was wearing. He had a nice smile and hugged Alissa really tightly.

"What did you like to do best back home?"

"Playing with Frisbees," he replied, "I like Frisbees."

"Frisbees?"

"Yeah. They weren't that expensive so I could afford them. They helped me a lot here."

"How, may I ask?"

"Their weight and the weight of the chakrams here are almost the same. However, the ones in the private sessions were heavier and you can see I messed up!"

It seemed as if he had taken his two pretty lightly…

"That's still cool. I'm sure you'll get used to the weight."

"Time's too lesssss

"I'm in a messsss

"There's so much stresssss

"Very pretty is your dresssss!"

I pressed my palms against my ears to block out that horrible, high pitched song but the audience and Alissa were all laughing hard. Guess it was laughable…

People liked him, and with Bridge the interviews came to an end. I was glad. Tomorrow was a big day, a day that I didn't want to see, but a day that I had to live.

Arrington "Ivy" Hart (16) D10F

Could things get any more embarrassing than they already were? Yeah, they just did.

Ivy made a fool of me there. I was sure people were annoyed and I didn't even want to imagine what Reynard was thinking. He was right to not be my ally. I was a mess, and completely useless. I couldn't even control myself!

"Sinclair," I muttered, "I wish you were here…"

I was down the District Eleven floor, having met Aspen and discussed a few things with her, when I passed their mentor, Blossom's room. She was saying something in an agitated voice and I stopped.

"How do I tell her? What do I tell her? Should I tell her?" she muttered and paced the room.

What was the matter? What was she hiding from Aspen?

"We shouldn't tell her," Trig said, "It will break her."

What would do that?

"We can't take such a big risk."

"She deserves to know Trig! She has the right to know!"

I couldn't stop myself any more. I knocked on the door smartly, probably startling the two mentors. They looked relieved to see me, which I found a bit strange.

"What's the matter?" I asked, not bothering with formalities, "What is it that Aspen shouldn't know?"

"Nothing," Blossom replied.

"I'm her ally. You can tell me."

"We can't," Trig said firmly, "It's personal."

"But-"

"Arrington," Blossom said, her voice shaking, "I think you should go and rest. Tomorrow the Games begin."

I knew I wasn't going to get any answers if I was straightforward. So I nodded and then walked towards the lift. I knew they were watching me and so I went to my District Floor.

And then returned.

The door was closed this time again and I stayed quiet this time, listening intently.

"How do we tell her that Lee is dead?"

Lee… Lee! Aspen's brother! Dead!

"She won't believe he committed suicide," Trig replied, "So we better keep this from her."

I shoved my fist into my mouth to prevent myself from crying out. Her brother… suicide? He committed suicide…? I knew that the two loved each other more than themselves. Maybe Lee just couldn't bear the thought of Aspen's death and…

I couldn't help the tears from flowing. An innocent person had died due to the Capitol's cruelty. How would Aspen handle it? Should I tell her? I thought that I should but that Ivy inside me stopped me.

And this time she was right.

What if she jumped off her plate? Tried to kill herself? What if she couldn't do anything in the arena, or went into a shock? I couldn't let that happen. I wouldn't let that happen.

Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I started towards the elevator sneakily. Soon I was in my room, unable to even think about sleeping. Tomorrow I could be dead. Both of us. Reynard would betray me. maybe even kill me himself, although I sincerely he didn't hate me that much.

And Aspen, I had to keep this a secret from her now. I had to or else she would be broken by it completely, beyond repair.

I still had trouble believing that something like that happened. The way she talked about him, her brother seemed to be a strong person. Suicide was just too drastic…

I didn't know whether I would be able to sleep or not because I really needed it. Lying down on my bed, I stared at the dark ceiling. I thought about the arena, the deaths, my death, Aspen's death.

It became too unbearable. Soon, I was in a deep slumber but it was full of nightmares, the glimpses of our futures.

Here they are, the interviews! Very badly written but oh well. I'm too tired to change a word. I think everyone has got two POVs before the games? Anyway, do let me know your thoughts on this.

Next chapter is the bloodbath…

Have a great day!