We are officially one more chapter away from the bloodbath. Welcome to crunch time snitches.

Well, I've walked these streets,

In a carnival of sights to see.

All the cheap thrill seekers, the vendors, and the dealers.

They crowded around me.

Star Fire, 37

Head GameMaker

Tonight is the big night. I was nineteen years old when all of this started. I have had my reservations about bringing kids back from the dead. After all, I was one of the original victims of that.

These kids had it way better though. They grew up in a family that loves them. They've all been given the chance to train, and all given the same opportunities. All of those factors allowed me to come to terms with the fact that 25 of them are going to die.

They all have it. The fire that I had in my own second chance. They don't even know this is their second chance...at least not yet.

The idea for a carnival arena struck me quite suddenly actually. Carnivals are known for freak shows, and things out of the ordinary. Let me be the first to say that these tributes are anything but ordinary. I can already see the tributes that will go insane, the ones that will fall in their effort to make it to the end. I can see the heartbreak in their parents eyes as one by one their children die.

I'm scared to admit that it excites me.

I'm not a bitch, I'm not a bad person, and I'm certainly not evil. This Hunger Games is making a statement, and it's one I can get behind 100 percent. I've had protesters stand outside my door. Tell me I'm evil, heartless, that I should be sympathetic since I know what they've been through. For the most part, I am.

I'm just ready to see this play out. I'm not going to dread seeing 18 years come to an end. This has been a long and tedious job. One of exams, scores, and angst. So much angst from these kids. I'm just ready to get back to my husband, and give him the time he deserves, to get back to my child, and try and make up for lost time.

The last of the carnival arena was finished yesterday. The launch is going to throw a lot of them off. No more just running into a hidden clearing, they're going to have to work to get away from the bloodbath.

"Ms. I don't think your dress is going to fit."

I turn to the lady talking. She herself is a rather plump lady, and has bright red hair. The mole on her face is distracting when she talks, and I feel like it's all I can stare at when she is talking.

"We can't let it out a little?" I ask sadly. The dress is perfect for tonight.

"I can try."

I didn't put weight on even when I was having a baby. I stayed my size zero, and everything was perfect. Now, because all I do is sit in a room and eat, I've gained two dress sizes. TWO. That is not what I had in mind taking this job.

She starts to hem at the waist line of the dress, and begins to let it out more. I gradually feel more room to breathe, and suddenly I hear the sound of a zipper as it zips up. The lady lets out a noise that let's me know she's pleased with herself, and I'm just happy I get to wear this beautiful yellow dress.

It's a ballgown that goes down to the floor, with ribbons on the top. As in the top is literally made of ribbons. I can pretty much redesign this dress every time I wear it. Which means I get to save some money, which is good. Because my husband likes to freak out about finances.

"That'll be 500$ Ms. Fire." says the lady as helps me squeeze out of it.

"Perfect." I say as I hand her my gold card.

I walk back into the dressing room, and begin to change back into the clothes I arrive in. A girl walks into the room, and takes the dress so she can box it up for me, as I change back into my jeans and a button down flannel.

When I leave the dressing room the lady that fitted me meets me with my card and hand and smiled.

"Have a wonderful evening."

"Oh it will be." I say with a smile as I walk out of the shop.

The time is near.

So near it's filling their blood in their veins.

Yet beware, don't let the wine go to your brains!

Wyatt Lane, 18

District 1 Male

"I want no funny games tonight." says mom as she is putting the finishing touches on her make up. Jade and Sylvia sit on the couch looking sad from the events that took place yesterday. The black eye that Sylvia sticks out like a sore thumb. Good thing she is wearing purple.

"Yes mam." we say in unison.

Truth is it's my last night available to cause some havoc before the games. I'm saying "yes mam", but by saying yes mam I really mean I'm going to get drunk as hell and party my ass off. Not that this would happen, but if for some reason I would lose I would really love to be able to look back on my last night out in freedom and realize that I had the time of my life.

Mom finishes up her makeup and ushers us out into the car. It's a big night for us. I'm a little peeved that the ending of this long process I am technically in 8th place, but the sponsors know my capabilities. They know that I can kill all of these tributes. Not to mention the fact that the "Frat boys" and the "Mean girls" are partnering up for the games. It's going to be a great way to basically crush everyone in our way, and not to mention let all the other tributes know who the alpha male is.

"We will be doing breathalyzers before we leave the event tonight." says mom as she is backing out of the driveway.

"Are you kidding us!?" we all say in unison.

"No." says mom in a way that let's us know that it's not up for discussion.

"Mom, this is potentially our last part, like, ever." says Jade as she throws her head back in anger.

"And don't you want to remember it?"

"Trying to seduce a bunch of old men into sponsoring us so we don't die? Mom, I've had better nights." says Sylvia.

Not that she'll have to convince anyone. She made it to the Victor's seat on her last chance, and she will be rewarded for it. How she got that spot I have no clue. There honestly isn't anything excellent about her. She doesn't go the extra mile, and doesn't seem to really try when it comes to training. Of course, the girls that do try hard are automatically made targets in an environment like this. There is nothing more dangerous than a girl that is not only deadly but smart.

Of course, let's be honest. I'm not worried in the slightest about any of that. Not only am I a fine ass man, but I am going to win this thing, and if I don't it's clearly rigged. The Gamemakers would want a more "underdog winner", and frankly I'm no underdog.

People as charming and wonder as me can never be underdogs.

Arriving at the Presidential Mansion was bitter sweet. For the first time ever, it's kind of hitting me. Like, you know something is going to happen, but all of a sudden it becomes real. A sudden understanding of what life is hits you.

This is my moment. I won't let it slip out of my fingers. I won't let it become a fading memory. I won't be a fading memory.

We load out of the car, and walk into the Mansion. Seeing all of the lavish decor, and the many people who are all here to see us, excites me to my very core. It's time to get started. It's time to get this party going.

It'll be like a mock Victory Tour.

If you want it,

You can have it.

If you like what you see,

Then you can grab it.

Katarina Morellee, 18

District 5 Female

"Oh my gosh these decorations are BEAUTIFUL!" says Ellie in excitement.

She's not lying. They very much are. Beautiful crystal chandeliers, banners made of ribbons, pure gold plates. This place has everything. What it also has is old men with more money than they know what to do with. Want to know what gets the pocketbooks rolling? Cute young girls that stroke their ego.

"Ellie. Focus." I say looking at her sternly.

She snaps back into reality, and gets her game face on. We decided that Keanu, Ellie, and myself would make a really great team. Let's be honest for a second though. Keanu would say something stupid, and mess up ANY chances we had at stealing the sponsors from the "tiny dick" meets "ultra bitchy psycho girl squad.", and not to mention the fact that Ellie is about as bright as a dead light bulb.

"Tell me the plan again."

She rolls her eyes and begins to pout. We've gone over this so many times, and I know she's sick of it, but I can't be with her the whole night. If she sticks her foot in her mouth I need to know that she's capable of getting out of it.

"Well?"

"Shamelessly use my body to attract pervy old men who want a piece of this, so that they sponsor our team in the games." she says in a monotone and bored voice.

"Good, you were listening." I say with a smile. She again rolls her eyes, and begins to pout, and I grab her hand and lead her into the bathroom. "One last makeup check. We'll meet in here for this every 45 minutes." I say.

"Kay." she says as she is reapplying her lip gloss.

Once we're touched up and ready to go out into the party, she looks at me. She looks a bit nervous, and this is frustrating as hell, but I can't have her messing this up for me. I'm by no means a nice person. I'm not a bad person, but I've never been really kind. Like, ever.

"Ellie, you're beautiful. I know that you're going to do amazing." I say with a smile that is sincere as President Rachel's boobs. Ellie seems to buy it though and perks up as we walk out of the bathroom hand in hand. Keanu is talking with Orion and Sashen, and I make a mental note of that. I can't have these two getting in my way.

"You get started Ells. I check on you in a minute."

"Kay!" she says smiling. She walks off to an old man that looks like he hasn't even seen a girl since this party. He's standing against the wall watching everyone dance, and Ellie is super quick to turn on her charm. Good girl, I taught her well.

I walk over to Keanu and the other two as they are discussing what I believe to be sports? Yeah, not something I'm particularly interested in, but I need this conversation to die so Keanu can focus on more important things, like getting me sponsors.

"Hey guys, what's up." I say with a smile.

Sahsen reaches over and gives me a hug, and Orion nods to me as he shrugs me off and continues to discuss sports with Keanu. Keanu, who doesn't seem to get the picture that these lameos need to go, is really frustrating me at the moment.

"Keanu, mom sent me over here to get you. She needed to ask you something." I say. He nods, and says bye to the other two as I lead him away and through the crowd.

"Where is mom?" he ask.

"She doesn't actually need you." I say. He looks shocked, but before he can say anything I keep talking. "Want to know who does need you though? Me. I need you. I need you to get your ass into gear, and start schmoozing these single old widows. The games are TOMORROW, Keanu. We don't have time for you to dick around like always."

He rolls his eyes and walks over to a table with an extremely old woman. She smiles at him as he takes a seat and begins to talk to her. Good, stay there and get her freaking will.

"How're you doing tonight?"

I jump because I didn't know someone was behind me. I turn and see a very attractive middle aged man staring at me. After getting a better look at him, I realize it's Austin Bucks. He's CEO of the company that funded the building of the academy, and since he's had no ties to anything since, he's fair game.

"Mr. Bucks," I say sticking out my hand. "A pleasure."

"What makes a beautiful young lady such as yourself stand alone on such a lavish night."

I turn and walk away, and then turn back telling him to follow. He does, and we are walking throughout the party. "I don't know. I guess I just haven't found anyone of interest." I say moving in and out of the crowds to an empty table in the corner of the room. It's dark, so if I need to do some degrading nonsense, people at least won't see.

"Are you trying to play me." he says jokingly as he narrows his eyes.

"Are you willing to play?" I say with a grin.

He sits down and begins talking to me about his company that I don't care about at all. I laugh at his cheesy jokes, and smile through the uncomfortable part he was talking about his ex wife. He ask me about the training academy, and I answer as honest as I can.

"A pretty girl like you getting an estimated fourth place? That's not bad at all."

"Never underestimate the power of a beautiful woman, Austin." I say as I put my hand on his arm, and lean in. He goes in for the kiss, and then I pull back with a look of regret on my face. "I'm sorry." I say. "I'm just so nervous about tomorrow. I haven't had anyone tell me they'd sponsor me, and it just really makes me nervous knowing we are so close."

He puts his hand on me knee, and I know I've gotten what I want. This man will provide everything I need in the arena, and I will be the victor of this Hunger Games. If I have to stab both Ellie and Keanu to do so I will.

"I can support you, Katarina."

I lean in and plant a big kiss on him.

"That means so much. Thank you."

Idiot.

As we go on, we remember.

All the times we had together.

As our lives change, from whatever.

We will still be friends forever.

Huckleberry Jenkins, 42

GameMaker

Man, if I was in my prime, and wasn't engaged to Mackenzie, I would be tearing this place UP. There are so many sexy girls in here that you'd think it would break the fire code. Not to mention our kids are looking fly as hell, especially mine, I raised them right.

We as parents thought that instead of letting the kids each talk about their own selves, that it would be more beneficial for us as parents to tell the crowd why they are so spectacular. Each parent is going to get the chance to do so, and after the vouch from us, they have a pad that allows them to decide to sponsor that tribute at their table.

"You guys ready for this?" ask Iris.

"No." says Chanel.

"I just want to let you guys know that if I had to do this with anyone, I'm glad that it was you guys." says Mackenzie.

I grab her hand and smile. We decided that Chanel would go first, mostly because we are scared that she would break down in the middle of this, and I'm not in the mood to deal with three crying women. I'm only committed to one, and even though I'm a high key slut, I believe in monogamy.

Chanel takes a deep breath, and walks up to the stage where the microphone is. She taps it three times, and then puts on her vice president smile.

"Hello everyone, on behalf of the kids and the other parents, I just want to say thank you for joining us tonight. I know that these things are sometimes a bother, but we couldn't have put it on without the help of all the old people that fund us with their money." the crowd laughs as she continues on with her speech. "Tonight instead of letting the tributes talk on their own behalf, we decided that we would do it for them. Kind of as a last goodbye I suppose."

Her voice caught, and I can tell that tonight is going to be a bumpy ride.

"Honora Cashmere Flloyd." says Chanel. "You are one of the strongest girls that I have ever known. You know what you want, and you go after it. You take what you feel you're entitled to, and I just know that you're going to make me proud in the arena. You're a fighter, and I believe that you're going to do great."

A screen appears behind Chanel with each of the tributes names. As Chanel continues talking about Honora, her part of the chart rises, and I realize that it's the amount of people that are giving their money to her sponsor fund. Damn, the girl is doing well.

"Orion, you're such an odd ball." says Chanel laughing. "I love the relationship that you have with Sashen. I don't think it's a secret that you look out for numero uno, always. However, it's sweet seeing you look after Sashen. It's nice seeing that you're able to put someone over yourself. I'm so proud to be your mom, and I can't wait to see you do well in the games."

A lot like Honora, Orion's chart begins to rise. His isn't as high as hers is, but the kid definitely won't need a lot in the arena.

"Ares, you're such a trouble maker." says Chanel. "The amount of drama you're going to bring into the games is probably monumental, and I'm not sure the country is ready to see what you're going to do. All of my children will do well, because they're clearly going to crack the top 7. Ares, you're special though. Watch your back in the arena. You know you're a target."

Ares fund grows even more than Honora's did. The kid is beaming sitting at his table surrounded by the young celebrities that made it to the event. They are high fiving him, and patting him on the back, all the while his fund continues to grow.

"Vera, it's been an absolute pleasure seeing the young woman that you've become. From the sweet little girl that wanted to be a fashion designer when she got older, to the girl now that has a shot at winning the Hunger Games. I know you're going to do great."

It's a trending thing in this room with money. It's everywhere, and this graph is making me nervous. Chanel has a way with words being a political figure, but what if we aren't as articulate?

"Sashen, my sweet sweet girl. You make me so proud. You've changed for no one and nothing. You know who you are, and you stand your ground, and proven to be a loyal person. That's going to serve you well in the games. I know people knock you because you're not the highest ranked, but don't count her out just yet. She has some tricks up her sleeves."

Even Sashen, who doesn't really have a knack for training is getting loads of sponsors. I would hate to be the parent of the kid who doesn't get any.

"Joseph, your relationship with Ava is one for the ages. My only hope is that you two find happiness before entering that arena. I know that you're going to do great. Your downfall will be that girl though if you don't think right. Don't give up your shot, kid."

"And lastly, Jinx. You've always been a little bit special. Never once have I been worried about you. You've entertained me with your antics over the years, and I still remember that time you saved all of our lives in that car. I'm not sure if I believe in psychics, but I know that you're something of a force to be reckoned with. I'm excited to see you in the arena."

All of Chanel's kids are going to do really well in the games. Iris is up next, and she looks confident and ready as she walks up to the stage.

Please, don't leave me.

I'm always saying I don't need you.

It's going to come right back to this.

Please, don't leave me.

Mackenzie Barrows, 41

GameMaker

This is to emotional for me. I've never been good at saying goodbye and the fact that so many are coming at once is sad for me. Even the kids that aren't mine I've grown to love. I don't know how I'm going to get through this. I know that Huck is going to have to put up with a lot when this is all over.

"Hello, my name is Iris Dupree, but most of you watched the show and know that." the audience laughed, and she continued on. "I'd like to start with one of my kids who's a goofball. I wasn't sure how he was going to fair in the training exercises that we had. He's always bouncy and always looking for a way to get the jitters out. Keanu has done so good, and has done even better than I expected him to be. Thank you son, for making me proud."

I know this screen was made for the tributes to be able to see where they stand as far as as sponsors as they are entering the arena, but it's giving me seven different types of anxiety.

"Katarina I've never seen a more...resourceful girl. I remember the little girl that I used to give pep talks to about how she's beautiful and smart. You've taught more about the games than you've realized, and allowed me to come to the realizations that you don't need just brute strength to do well. You tackle everything head on, and I can't wait to see how well you do."

"Ellie, you're such a bright soul. You light up any room you walk into with your bright personality. You make us laugh, and you're always looking for ways to help others. You are going to do well, maybe not because of physicality, but due to your likability. Anyone who thinks that's not a kill, please refer to Ms. Barrows."

"Nickle, you're a good kid. You are funny, and I love that you like to keep things fair for everyone. Keep your head on straight, and know that this is a game of big states. Don't underestimate your opponent and march on strong, kid."

"Amandus, I know that you're having confidence issues going into tomorrow, but you shouldn't. Y'all never watched the Hunger Games, but I would see kids go in, and they would be scared, and petrified, and they would be the ones that won. You have a shot. Don't doubt yourself okay?"

"Hazel, I have no doubts you're going to give it your all. The only concern I have for you, is don't underestimate the hype of people's emotions. Just because you can't feel them, doesn't mean that they aren't real for others. People can go from weak, to immensely strong when angry. So watch out for things like that."

"Lastly, Baptiste, I know that you have your reservations. I raised you well. I've trained you, and so have the other mentors, and we have made you into the person that has everything needed to win these games. Don't let these games ruin you kid. You can pull this out."

There it is, the first kid to get no sponsors. Everyone remembers the time that he locked himself in the bathroom, and wouldn't come out. I told them not to edit that into the show, but no one believed it would effect anything. Iris was furious they put that segment in.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their time, and please give a warm applause for Ms. Mackenzie Barrows."

If I could, then I would.

I'd go wherever you would go.

Chanel Lourd, 38

Vice President of Panem

It's no secret that I'm sad about this whole ordeal. When Star came back in time, I was so sure that this was the right thing to do. I had my ups, and I've had my downs since then, but never been this sad about the games starting.

Then again, I've never had to face the games starting until right now.

Mackenzie looks beautiful in her dress tonight. It's purple with sequins on it. Their shine reflects great off the stage lights that are shining down on her.

"Hello, and thank you for joining us this evening. The first of my children I'm going to talk about is, Tycho. Whether he sees it or not, he was the glue that held this family together. He was always there listening. Anytime someone needed to vent, he was there. Even if he didn't want to. Ty, you aren't invisible. You're noticed. Remember that."

It's amazing the amount of money these people are willing to pour into the games. They fling it around like it's candy, I used to be one of the people that benefited from these people. That's why I think we are all so sad. Everyone of us that is talking tonight, knows what they're going to go through tomorrow.

"Julian, you're a brilliant tribute, but remember that brilliant tribute isn't the equivalent of "it's okay to be cocky tribute." Watch your back in the arena. You're a target from the start, and you'll be one until you either fall or get out."

Mackenzie is being a bit more blunt with her speech than I was anticipating. The audience is responding well, but the girl is truly holding nothing back.

"Shawn, don't start flirting and get yourself killed. You have all the abilities to pull this thing out, but if you allow yourself to be distracted by girls, you'll never be able to truly prove yourself. Besides, you have plenty of time to get with the ladies if you get out."

"Jade, you're so talented. Not only in games stuff, but piano is a gift that you were given. I know that it's hard to feel accepted, and like you fit in when you're from the Capitol, and everyone else is from the Districts. Know that you've made me so proud, and wow'd me more than you know. Third place girl. Talk about improvement."

Jade is someone that I'm nervous from. She is strong, and all around well rounded. What if she's the one that kills my babies? What if she's the one who lets me realize that the wall that I built around my life are coming down shortly?

That's not fair to place only on her though. Any of these tributes, including my own, can kill one of mine. I need to snap out of this and calm down.

"Wyatt, I know you were disappointed with your final ranking. Six years speak for themselves though. You're going to be a formidable tribute in these games. Anyone who doesn't see that is stupid. Good luck, you'll make me proud."

"And lastly, my little 1st placer. Sylvia you've made me so proud, and though your ranking came off as a bit of a surprise, I know that you earned that. You'll dominate these games. I can't wait to see your soar. You're going to do great. Thank you for hearing me out."

The audience applauses, and when Mackenzie gets to the bottom of the stage, Huck wraps her in a hug, and they embrace for awhile before he goes up on the stage to deliver his speeches.

So I hope, life treats you kind.

And I hope, you have all you dream of.

I wish you joy, and happiness.

Iris Dupree, 46

GameMaker

"I'll skip the thank yous and all the fun stuff and get to why I'm up here." says Huck as he hops in front of the mic. It was a ballsy thing to say, but the audience seemed to find it entertaining.

"I'm so proud of Edith. I'm proud because she's maintained her goodness throughout this process. It's easy to look at things like this, and become broken. It's easy to let the situations you're in define you. She hasn't let that happen though."

He's talking fast, and I think it's due to the fact that he's trying not to cry. Which is okay if he did. We all kind of cried up there. I just think he wants to be the stoic leader.

"Artemis, girl, you're such a badass. I remember the first time I saw you use a sword. I was so impressed. You're tiny, but you're mighty. You've never allowed anyone to define you, and I know in the games you're going to focus on one things, and that's getting home. Good luck kid."

"Jayanti, you're different. I won't lie, when you told me you were Gender Fluid, I wasn't sure how to react. Growing up in District 10 we didn't see that often, and it wasn't something that people really talked about. Thank you for opening my eyes to the world around me. Pushing me to expand my limits."

That was sweet, but it sounds like he's giving the kid a eulogy already.

"Carmen, there's more to you that meets the eye isn't there? I see it in your stance, you're determination, your fire. You want this. I know you do. You're going to go deep. I won't say that about many of these tributes, not because I don't think they will, but because I don't want to jinx them. Kid, I know you're going deep."

What the hell is he doing putting more targets on her back like that? She's ranked low. If that was her plan let her ride it out, Huck.

"Ava, you've always been so motherly. Thank you for being there for your siblings, because that's what they are, siblings, when I couldn't I wasn't always the best dad, but having a kid like you made it worth something. Your relationship was Joseph is inspiring. I'm just sorry that it had to happen under these circumstances."

"Lastly Caius, you're always so consistent. If I had to pick someone who was the most likely to keep at the rate they are I'd chose you. Thank you for staying true to yourself, and allowing me to grow with you. Kid, you'll do great. And to all the other tributes, know that no matter what happens, you've made us proud."

He walks off the stage to the applause of everyone in the room. It was time for the dancing to begin.

One day more,

Another day another destiny.

Ava Willow, 18

District 3 Female

The parties been over for hours, but all 26 of us are still in the room. We've been sitting at tables, small talk sometimes, and then other times just sitting in complete silence. Everything is real. Tomorrow is the big day. The day we've been training for since we were 5 years old.

Starting tomorrow 26 are going to enter into an arena, and no one is leaving until there is one left. This is the scariest thing that I've ever imagined.

Our parents have been pretty good at giving us space, but it's rearing close to 1:00AM, and we have launch at 8:00. They walk into the room, and one by one everyone gets up slowly. I've never thought about how our parents knowingly signed up for our death sentence, but they did.

Tomorrow everything changes.

Tomorrow some of the people in this room will be dead.

Looking around at the faces of the people I grew up with gives me great sorrow. How I am ever going to get through these games I have no clue, all I do know is that one of us will.

Well, the bloodbath is next. Thanks for sticking with me, and I can't believe we are here at this point. Ava's POV is small, but I just needed a little wrap up for this chapter.

My friend Jenna and I (Best friend irl) just recently started a collab. This story has complete priority until it's finished of course, but we would really love for you to check out. It has nothing to do with this universe. (It's on my profile)

Alliances

Frat Boys/Sorority Girls: Ava/Honora/Jinx/Wyatt/Joseph/Julian/Nickle/Ares

Secret Sisterhood: Artemis/Carmen/Vera/Edith

Silent Besites: Jayanti/Baptiste

Vixens: Keanu/Katarina/Ellie

Random af, but I like them high key: Orion/Sashen/Jade/Sylvia/Shawn/Caius/Hazel

Loners (this isn't an alliance): Amandus/Tycho

Keep it classy,

Caleb