Author's Note/Disclaimer: I'll be posting a new poll to ask who you would sponsor in the Games. For anyone familiar with my sister's games, I'm planning on having this poll be similar to hers. Whoever gets the most votes (top 3) will receive a sponsor gift at sometime in the Games. If they are already deceased, their gift will be bequeathed to their allies and/or district partner. This poll will be up until the night before the Games (so two more chapters or until July 12th, whichever comes second) and then a poll asking who you think will die in the bloodbath will be up. As usual, you may vote for more than one and you may vote for your own. Keep in mind, who you sponsor may or may not be the same as your favorites.

I still do not own the Hunger Games.

Speak

Calpurnia Hendrix – Master of Ceremonies

Calpurnia was buzzing with excitement. No matter how many times she was on the stage, interviewing tributes, making them stand out still gave her a certain thrill she couldn't find anywhere else.

It was their night and she would make it special. For them, for their families, for all of Panem, really. She would get each of them to say what they needed to, what they wanted to.

Because in only a matter of days, only one of them would ever speak again.

Blaer Peri – Killian Odell, District 1's girlfriend.

If only Killian could know what she had done.

It had taken a lot of convincing, but she'd finally achieved the feat that Killian, despite all of his charm and strength hadn't been able to do. She'd gotten his child's guardian to agree, pending Kil's victory, that he could see his daughter Sienna. He wouldn't have custody of her, but getting to see her was certainly a start. Two lifelong dreams of his would be accomplished in one fell stroke.

Now all he had to do was win.

The applause emanating from the screen signaled the beginning of the interviews.

"Welcome Panem to the eve of the the 18th Annual Hunger Games!" The crowd went wild and Blaer's heart raced. She couldn't wait to see him on the screen, all decked out in the Capitol's best.

"First, please welcome our intrepid female from District One, Saphyra Cullen."

The girl who had volunteered alongside Killian strode up confidently, her red dress elegantly complimenting her blonde hair.

"Saphyra, you've had an interesting journey from District One. Care to share the highlights?"

"Well it's all been very thrilling, Calpurnia," Saphyra crooned. "I've been stunned by how brilliant everything here is. The train was the first real thrill. It sped like nothing I could have ever imagined. We don't have anything like that back home, not even in District One."

"Now, I want to take a moment to take you back to the moment of the Reaping. Were you relieved when Killian volunteered for your brother?"

"Honestly, no," Saphyra admitted, but then hesitated, just for a moment. She had been honest; Blaer remembered the way she had hollered that she was going to kill her own brother before Killian had volunteered for her. No love lost there. "Well, I suppose, yes. My brother would have tried to protect me, tried to talk me down from what had to be done like he always does. Killian isn't like that. He respects me as an ally and can tell my strengths. My brother, though, he knows my weaknesses and he might have been more adept at compensating for those."

"Any particular weaknesses you had in mind, Saphyra?" the MC pried.

"Calpurnia, we're on national television," Saphyra laughed. "Surely you don't think I'm actually going to disclose that."

"Knowing yourself enough to be confident in either your strengths or weaknesses could be appealing to sponsors . . ." Calpurnia encouraged.

"Well, they can figure that out by watching me. I'll be on all of your televisions shortly," she smiled, charmingly and Calpurnia flashed her own smile as Saphyra left the stage.

"Following her we have the charming volunteer who stepped up to the plate as District One's male volunteer. The daring Killian Odell."

Killian emerged, kissing the MC's hand sweepingly before taking his seat opposite her.

"So Killian, you've prepared for this. What has been the most surprising thing about your Hunger Games experience so far?"

"It's been surprising how you can bond with other tributes in such a short time. I feel as though I've established the most awesome allies I could have asked for."

"It sounds as though everything is going your way here. Are you expecting the same thing tomorrow?" Blaer laughed. Of course he was. Killian had been journaling about his awesomeness since he could write; he'd shown her his journals several times.

"I suppose I can't say what will happen tomorrow, but I certainly plan on being the person standing when all of this is over. I've got a lot to get back for when I return home."

"Anything in particular?"

Killian paused, staring straight at the camera. Blaer had never seen that look in his eyes before, a look of hesitation. Would he say what he really meant?

"A daughter," he finally said, "a daughter, Sienna, who I've never met, who probably doesn't even know my name. I've wanted to see her, to hold her, ever since she was born, but we've been separated. Her mother's father, he won't let me near her."

"And her mother?"

"Died in childbirth. As far as she knows Sienna doesn't have any parents."

"That truly is touching. Thank you for your honesty. I'm sure you'll be fighting hard to return to her. Calpurnia touched up her eye makeup as Killian exited the stage.

He certainly would fight, Blaer reflected. And he would be back.

Kendra Lascher – Dane Vautier's step sister District Two

She wished she didn't have to see this.

Dane never should have had to be where she was. Her life had already been difficult enough with their mother abusing her at every turn. And now this. Just when everything had seemed like it was going her way with her marriage and moving out.

Well, no matter what, it would be over soon.

"Next we have our lovely, wedded Dane Vautier."

Dane was grinning from ear to ear as she strutted across the stage.

"How are you, Calpurnia? It's wonderful to be here!" Dane gushed.

"It's wonderful to have you, Dane. Of districts one and two, you are the only tribute who didn't volunteer. I imagine that being reaped was quite a surprise."

"Well, I certainly wasn't expecting the honor," Dane improvised. She appeared confident, but Kendra could hear the tremor in her voice. She was nervous; something had happened to rattle her. "But life finds a way of changing your luck. I've discovered that several times and maybe this is just life's way of giving me another phenomenal opportunity. Like when my husband proposed; I couldn't have asked for anything so wonderful. So I imagine that's what The Hunger Games will be like."

"That's a very positive attitude. Who helped you cultivate that?"

"My family," Dane answered simply.

"I understand you were adopted," Calpurnia lead.

"Yes," Dane replied tersely, covering her snap with a syrupy smile.

"Do you remember anything at all about your birth parents?" Why was the interviewer prying about them? They had died years ago; Dane didn't even remember their names.

"Not a thing. No one in District Two seems to remember them and they died when I was very young. I don't remember their names, what they look like, where I lived before the orphanage, nothing. I am certain they were wonderful people who contributed to society and I wish I remembered more, but I was only two when they died and a two year old certainly can't be faulted for her memory."

Dane was stalling.

"Dane, the Capitol has information about your parents, information I think it's only fair that we share with you and Panem tonight. After all, we might not get another chance." Calpurnia said, her voice sweet, but stern. "Your parents were Spaniel and Dacks Tuitt, inciters of a failed rebellion sixteen years ago. They, along with their three other conspirators were burned at the stake and you, the only child, were mercifully brought to an orphanage."

Dane froze, fighting to keep her face emotionless.

"I'm sorry to have to tell you this now, on the eve of the Hunger Games, but you needed to know. And I'm very sorry, but our time is up. Ladies and gentlemen, Dane Vautier, a true survivor."

It couldn't be. Kendra stared at the television in shock. They couldn't have done that to Dane! It would destroy her chances with any of the sponsors.

"She's as good as dead," Kendra heard her mother's voice behind her. "Let's see about the boy."

Nero entered, dressed in an emerald green suit accentuated by a white collared shirt.

"I hope you don't have anything as deep as that planned for me," he said as he took his seat across from Calpurnia.

"Not unless you have a last minute confession."

"No, I've been blessed with a non-rebellious, but poor family," Nero recovered awkwardly.

"So, a ten in training! I would certainly be remiss if I didn't ask how you achieved that. You and Dane garnered the highest scores this year."

"I did my best and that's what came of it," Nero smiled. "I'm motivated and being here in the Capitol has been even more inspiring. Seeing how you live, I can't imagine how the districts could have rebelled. Life is good and I dream of making it even better."

"So I can see that you're inspired. How much are you willing to sacrifice for that dream?"

"Everything," Nero replied and Kendra could only imagine that he was envisioning the two siblings she knew he had left back here. "I want the world for my family, for my sisters, for my children when I eventually have them and I'm going to fight until my last breath for that."

"So, it sounds like that dream doesn't end after the Hunger Games."

"It certainly doesn't. Say I do come home as the Victor, if I stay in the victor's village and do nothing further with my life, what is that? If I can come home and mentor, that's a beginning and if I can do more than that, more to help my sisters, my family, my district, my country, well, then I will give it all my 100%."

"Thank you, Nero Taplin," Calpurnia beamed.

Leia Neilan, Ailis Neilan's mother – District 3

There was nothing she could say to stop this.

Ailis's mother watched helplessly, clutching her husband's hand as their daughter took the stage. Their brilliant daughter decked out in a frilly pink costume. She certainly looked beautiful, but this was never what she envisioned for her daughter's life. Now she just had to hope, she supposed.

"It's good to be here, Calpurnia," Ailis answered the interviewer.

"Ailis, since you've come to the Capitol, you've been dressed up as a brain, trained for the Hunger Games, and now, from my understanding are part of an alliance."

"Well, I certainly wouldn't want to go into this all by myself. I believe I've garnered some pretty fantastic allies and we'll put on a very good show." There was that at least, Leia reflected. At least she had some friends who would have her back.

"So, that's what's ahead of you. Is there anything you've been missing about home?"

"I miss my best friend the most. Her name is Aliza and she knows me very well. One of my allies actually reminds me of her," Ailis beamed and Leia groaned. Maybe her daughter having allies wasn't such a good thing after all if one of them was like that useless child. She would never understand what Ailis saw in her.

"That must be like having a little piece of home with you," Calpurnia smiled.

"It is. I would like to say to the people of District three that I've been very well prepared. My mentors have supported me and my allies and I are ready to go."

"What do you imagine will be the most challenging part of the Games?"

"Well, the Games always have their surprises and from what I've seen, I believe Mr. Laertes plans to keep us all on our feet."

"And using your brains," Calpurnia dragged out the joke from their chariot costumes and Leia rolled her eyes. The reminder of the horrendous costumes was just a low blow.

"Yes, well, I'm planning on showing that I'm not just a smart girl from District Three," Ailis smiled.

"And we look forward to seeing it," Calpurnia dismissed her with a smile. "Next we have District Three's younger tribute, let's welcome Raivel Aukins."

No less smiley than Ailis had been, her district partner took the stage.

"Welcome, Raivel. I understand the Capitol is quite different than where you're from."

"It really is. Until a couple of days ago I didn't know a bed could be so soft. Did you know that they gave me five pillows!" Raivel exclaimed. Leia couldn't help but roll her eyes. This poor boy was from the lowest of the low here. Better that he be killed off quickly in the Hunger Games than live here.

"It would be merciful if they would round up all of them and make them volunteer," Leia muttered as Raivel continued to gush on about the Capitol.

"Leia, be respectful," her husband begged, his eyes fixed on the television.

"And the food. I never knew there were so many flavors. The only drink I'd ever had before was water. Did you know that there's this phenomenal thing called juice? It's truly spectacular. I thought it was something that they got rid of long ago, but it's real and it's so sweet."

"I take it you like it here?" Calpurnia asked.

"I could spend the rest of my life here! The Capitol is the best place to be."

"And how do you feel about going into the Arena tomorrow?"

"Well, it won't be as comfortable as the Capitol for sure, but I can manage," the boy was still smiling. He was a fool. Even the thought of the Arena didn't scare him. Or maybe he just had a phenomenal stage presence, had been well coached by his mentor.

"Is there anyone at home you want to speak to?"

"No," the boy answered matter of factly. "I can promise, though, when I come back, everyone in District Three will know me."

As he stood up, there was a flicker of gold in his pocket.

Znadia Nkwah – Ibrahima's ex-girlfriend District Four

She wished she could talk to him.

Nothing had changed in the few days he had been away, but it seemed as though everything had changed since Ibrahima had volunteered for the Games. He had always talked about it, and Znadia had always known that he would, but not having seen him for several days made it seem as though it wasn't real. Yet it all would begin tomorrow and now would be his last real opportunity to say anything he wanted to.

And she wasn't certain what she wanted to hear.

"Well, I hope neither of them is in a fish costume tonight. Please welcome the vibrant Freida Vasey," Calpurnia called Ibrahima's District Partner's name.

Well, it wasn't a fish costume. Freida was adorned in a pink, feminine dress and seemed to be masking her hatred for it. Znadia almost laughed, remembering how she and Ibrahima had nearly killed each other at the Reapings. The prep team had overcompensated this time.

"Sorry to disappoint, Calpurnia, both of my eyes are in my sockets, unlike my last appearance," the girl spunkily declared.

"I can see that. You're intact. What a relief!"

"That's more than I can promise to anyone who tries to take me on tomorrow. I might look like a twig, but a twig in the eye still packs a punch." There were a couple of giggles in the audience.

"So you and your district partner both scored surprisingly high. In fact, only eight people, most of whom come from more prominent districts, scored higher than you. Do you have any insight into that score?"

"Well, when someone grows up with five brothers, they learn to defend themselves. I guess someone appreciates that informal training can truly lend a hand. I'm glad my brothers didn't spare me an occasional black eye, broken bone, the works. They really do a lot to form a kid." More laughter. This girl was charming the audience alright. She could only hope Ibrahima had as much charm on his side.

"So, we've already heard from one tribute who said she brought a piece of home with her. Is there anyone who reminds you of what you've left behind?"

"Well, the abundance of guys isn't exactly shocking. Can I say all twelve of them? It's just like my brothers multiplied and are all trying to kill me, maybe along with all of their girlfriends. I must have really pissed them all off." More laughter. Capitolites had an odd sense of humor.

"Well, Freida Vasey, the best of luck to you in your fight against your brothers," the escort dismissed her.

Then he was onstage. While Freida had looked like a rose, Ibrahima was a wave of color. His work shoes made him look even stronger in comparison, despite their being laced with purple socks. His outfit was topped off with a yellow shirt and blue suit. It certainly was vibrant, Znadia thought.

"You look lovely this evening, Calpurnia. I wanted to thank you, first for conducting the most important interviews of the Hunger Games."

"Thank you, Ibrahima. It's a pleasure to be here and a pleasure to be with you."

"Before we begin I wanted to take a public moment to ask if anyone has seen my district token. It's a large, white gem and it's particularly special. Its safe return by tomorrow morning would be greatly appreciated." He'd lost her gem! She couldn't believe it. She gave him one thing from their district, one very expensive thing to wear and carry with pride and he couldn't even manage to do that!

"I infer someone very special back at home gave that to you."

"My beautiful friend Znadia," Ibrahima said.

"It sounds like it may be more than a friendship."

"Not anymore. We're very close, though and I wouldn't be who I am without her. Certainly wouldn't be as ready for the Games as I am now if I didn't have her in my life."

"Is there anyone else special at home that you want to tell us about?"

"Just my father. He's prepared me for this day. He gave me the courage to pursue my goal of volunteering."

"That certainly was courageous of you. Why step up and volunteer?"

"I've always dreamed of the Games. It's an opportunity I wanted to grasp before it was too late. You know, I simply couldn't let the chance pass me up when the glory of the Games stands before me."

"Some people might be surprised, with you coming from District Four. Aside from Excelcia, the first Victor, your district hasn't been as intent on seeing the Games as an opportunity to train for."

"Well, Calpurnia, despite popular belief, it is illegal to train for the Hunger Games, so of course District Four wouldn't formally or informally support that. It would give us an unfair advantage. I fully intend on fighting fair, winning fair and bringing honor to my District again."

"I'm certain it will be a fair fight. Thank you for your honesty, Ibrahima."

Znadia watched as he walked off stage, wondering what had been true and what he had said only for the Capitol's ears. She might never know.

Alorea McKenna – District Five Mentor.

"Not again," Alorea muttered. It had taken a few more interviews for her to actually process what had happened in District Two because it had seemed so familiar. She wanted to believe it was a regurgitated nightmare from her year, that it was her on the stage instead of Dane, but it wasn't.

She felt a strong hand on her shoulder.

"Come with me. We need to talk," Glade Harborn whispered urgently, leading her away from the crowd.

They emerged into the air outside, but even so Alorea knew they weren't alone. The Capitol had ears everywhere.

"How do I save her?" Glade whispered.

"You can't," Alorea replied.

"But you-"

"The Capitol kept me alive to prove a point. She might get as lucky, but her situation's different. Her parents are already traitors. Yes, she has a different family now, yes, she wasn't guilty herself, but none of that matters. Just tell her to keep her head down otherwise there will be trouble for everyone."

Glade sighed. He understood. After so many years as a mentor, he understood the sacrifice that had to be made, the sacrifice for Panem. It was a sacrifice Alorea hadn't understood when she'd won, and District Five had been paying for that ever since.

—"Speak, strike, redress!" Am I entreated

To speak and strike? O Rome, I make thee promise,

If the redress will follow, thou receivest

Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus!