Trying to update more consistently, here's the next Chapter I know the Games will begin either in the next chapter or the one after that, depends how much more Clara and Grantaire have to do before they go in. I'm trying but failing to build up publicity for this story and if anyone can review or criticise it I would really appreciate it! But hopefully the story will speak for itself, enjoy!

Chapter 15: Interviews and Insecurities

Piao Liang stood back and admired her work. Clara was wearing a strapless black dress and her hair was unrestrained tumbling down her back.

'Simple, yet sophisticated,' Piao Liang stated, to herself rather than to Clara.

'I need all the tributes lined up in this hallway pronto, starting with lady from District 1 and ending with the lad from District 12,' called a voice from outside. Clara murmured a word of thanks to her stylist and went to join the other tributes. She hadn't formed any kind of bond with Piao Liang, a sweet lady at heart she thought but more at home with her fabrics than with anything with a heartbeat.

'You look smashing,' Grantaire said to her as she joined the back of the line.

'Thanks, you don't look bad yourself,' she replied. Grantaire was in an all black suit, down to the tie and the socks, the outfit completed by his curly black hair. Clara meant what she said, Grantaire really did look good, and she could tell of a few sponsorships that were going to come his way.

Haymitch had told Clara and Grantaire to really watch the other tributes tonight. This was their last taste of real freedom and the glamour of the Capitol before all they had with them would be the clothes on their back. Haymitch had said even the Careers show their weaknesses at this point. If they can't win the audience round, then their aggressive stance goes unnoticed, and a Career with no sponsors is as useful as instructions on a tin of soup.

Suddenly, music filled the hallway and all the television screens hanging down from the ceiling burst into life. Caesar Flickerman, as unchanging as ever except for his this year turquoise hair, took centre stage milking his applause.

'Hello!' he yelled. 'Welcome one and all, as we meet the tributes of the 70th Annual HUNGER GAMES!' Raucous applause meant that he had to wait until delivering what was next on the autocue.

'Does he have to yell everything?' Grantaire whispered to Clara, but stepped away when he noticed a stagehand glaring at them.

'I don't know about you but from everything I've seen so far, I have great hopes for this year's tributes. Shall we meet them?'

Caesar held the microphone out to the audience and the reply he got was unanimous and predictable yes.

'Sparkle Samson,' the stagehand called, and the interviews were off. Sparkle and her district partner were typical Career tributes. Strong and confident, not so attractive as to distract from their bloodlust, but just attractive enough for other tributes to underestimate them. Her partner from 1 was named Drennan, and apart from the obvious differences, Clara and Grantaire thought of them as much the same person.

Next up were Avalon and Benedict.

'So Avalon,' Caesar said, 'a fantastic score you received in individual training. I don't suppose I can entice you to tell me how you got it?'

'You suppose right Caesar,' she gave the audience a glowing smile. 'But you won't have long to wait until you see me in action.' Members of the audience grinned stupidly.

'You and your district partner scored identically, only matched by the pair from 12.' Oohs and aahs came from the audience. 'Do you have any comment on that?'

'We're in for a good fight,' Avalon smiled, but there was no friendliness in it. 'One which I am determined to win.'

'Well, I wish you the best of luck, Avalon the Enticing everyone!' He held up her hand and the audience applauded enthusiastically.

Benedict was meet with similar enthusiasm.

'Everyone loves a Career,' someone from along the line muttered.

'Benedict, my man, how are you enjoying the Capitol so far?'

'Caesar mate, I am home,' he laughed and the audience joined him.

'Is it very different from District 2?'

'Well, naturally, we're looked after very well at home, but there's something about this city that is quite unique.'

'Suck up,' Grantaire groaned.

'President Snow is going to love him,' Callum spoke up from Clara's other side.

'But of course, all my mates are in two. Here's a shout out to those at the training academy!' Benedict waved into the camera.

'Makes you want to throw up doesn't he?' Callum whispered to Clara.

'Is there a special lady friend at home for you Benedict?'

The audience murmured in anticipation.

'Oh no, Caesar, I like to keep myself for the best.' Brainless women screamed from the front row. Benedict winked at them and one actually feinted from the impact.

'Well, if you can do that in the arena, it should be an easy win!' Caesar laughed. 'But we have some tough tributes this year. Congratulations likewise on that 10, any clues on your skills?'

Benedict laughed loudly. 'Caesar, where would be the fun if I told you now?'

'Ha-ha, quite, leave it until tomorrow. Benedict the Lady-killer everyone!'

Benedict left the stage and the tributes from 3 followed. Ellen and Samson, both sweet, basically good people. Both incredibly clever and both planning to use their intellect as their weapon.

Annie Cresta was next. She went for the mysterious angle, alluring and leaving people wanting more.

'Miss Annie, you are looking stunning this evening,' Caesar smiled encouragingly.

'Thank you Caesar, it's all down to the stylists here in the Capitol. Every single one is incredible.'

'How very true, all our tributes look incredible tonight as always. How about an applause for our backstage team?' Everyone clapped appreciatively. Stylists in the hallway blushed.

'Now Annie, rumour has it you're being mentored by our very own Finnick Odair.' A couple of screams came from Odair Addicts as they called themselves.

'How is that going for you? Not too distracting is he?'

'Finnick's a wonderful man,' Annie said slightly defensively. 'I couldn't imagine having a better mentor.'

'I don't think any woman could, am I right ladies?' He was met with screams at a particularly painful and stomach churning pitch.

'Okay, okay calm down, we're almost out of time for Miss Cresta,' Caesar hushed everyone. 'A 7 in individual training, what do you have to say of your skills and that score?'

'I think it's perfect. I don't want to give too much away.' An excited murmur passed through the audience.

'Well, leave us all to wonder until tomorrow. The mysterious Annie Cresta everyone!'

Annie's district partner, Pisces took to the stage. He too appeared to be a Career, and it seemed Annie was to be the only one left out of the Career club.

'Just like 2, 3 and 12, you and your district partner share the same score,' Caesar commented. 'Tell us Pisces, is this some new Games strategy?' People in the audience laughed.

'I assure you Caesar; I rely on no one else with my specific skillset. I am afraid the other tributes may find out I was rather under marked.'

Caesar raised his eyebrows to the camera. 'Is that so? Well, if you need no one else, does that mean alliances are not for you in the arena?'

'Only time will tell Caesar, only time will tell.'

'Another mystery from District 4 everyone! May I present the aptly named Pisces!'

Interviews dragging on, Clara only picked up the names and minor details from the next few Districts.

The pair from 5 were named Penny and James, and were named a powerful team from the Power District. (The puns were truly something to be dreaded) The pair from 6, Stephanie and Carson would travel far in the arena (see what I mean). The pair from 7, Minnie and Ellis, would cut down the opposition and the pair from 8; Dallas and Henry would tie up any loose ends.

Next it was Jen's turn, and Grantaire visibly tensed.

'Jennifer...' Caesar began.

'Jen, please.'

'Okay, Jen, let's ignore your score in individual training. You must have some tricks up your sleeve.'

'I certainly hope, somewhere!' she joked. And suddenly, the audience went from laughing at her to laughing with her.

'What are your opinions of the Capitol then Jen?'

'Well it's almost perfect, you guys should be proud,' she smiled.

'ALMOST perfect?!' Caesar asked in mock horror. 'What is not fine about our great city?'

'Well Caesar, it's you your good self I am referring.'

'Excuse me?'

'Twenty years and they still couldn't fork out for a new suit for you?'

Apparently, that was the height of humour in the Capitol, as the audience were beside themselves. Caesar himself struggled to keep a straight face.

'Oh Jen, I do have new suits, I just love this design so much I ask them to duplicate it.'

'Well that explains it then,' Jen laughed.

'I am genuinely sorry to see you leave. Jen the joker everyone!' She received one of the largest applauses of the evening.

Her district partner, Gavroche went next and sadly he couldn't live up to Jen's good humour and left the stage without establishing any sort of personality. He was the youngest of the tributes, having only recently turned thirteen, and would be easily beaten by any tribute, even Jen.

The pair from District 10, Selena and Darren were obviously extremely nervous and stammered out one-word answers which Caesar struggled to get out of them at all.

Next was Callum's district partner, Lily. She seemed a sweet girl who wouldn't hurt a fly, but got an 8 in her individual training. Caesar got no clue to how that happened, and Lily, after a quick wave exited the stage.

Callum jogged confidently onto the stage, giving a wink and a wave to the ladies in the audience, obviously going for that bad boy image.

'Callum Worthing, have a look at you, no one would guess you're from 11,' Caesar commented on his appearance.

'Is it working for you Caesar? Is this the kind of thing you like?' Callum grinned.

'Well…' Caesar feigned discomfort and shuffled around in his chair. People could say what they liked about Caesar Flickerman, but he gave every tribute the best chance possible, and the brazen Callum Worthing was no exception.

Suddenly Callum got up and joined Caesar on his sofa, putting his arm around the host. The audience laughed, everyone appreciating this young rebel challenging Caesar's control of his own show.

'Now, now, now,' Caesar said, 'I mustn't show favouritism.'

Callum shrugged indifferently and went back to his seat. Caesar leaned in closer to the audience.

'Much as I would like to,' he winked, and the audience was off again.

'So Mr Worthing, a 9 in individual training, did you score that from merit or manipulation? In the best possible way of course.'

Callum found that rather funny. 'Oh Caesar, now after everything tonight, that would be telling!'

'Very well, Callum the crass everyone!'

Callum confidently strode off, leaving love-struck ladies in his wake

'And finally from District 12, may I introduce, Clara!'

'Go on,' Grantaire whispered encouragingly. 'Knock 'em dead!' Just before she went on he dragged her back. 'Not literally of course,' he added. Clara smiled at him, and that smile remained for her walk onto the stage.

'The stylists have done it again,' Caesar looked her up and down. 'Does she not look stunning people?' The audience nodded and applauded in agreement.

'Clara, I have a very important to question to ask you.'

'You're making me nervous Caesar, by all means go ahead but don't look so menacing. Do you not know who I'll be facing tomorrow?!'

Caesar leaned back and laughed with the audience.

'Indeed I do, and on that topic, there were only two volunteers this year. I'm sure we're all dying to know why you were one of them?'

Clara was more than desperate to avoid that question. 'I'm sure that's of little consequence to these Games that are about to take place. Is not everyone excited for them to begin!'

Everyone applauded, enthusiastic for the bloodshed.

'Yes, I suppose you make a good point.' Caesar had been in the business long enough to know when someone was deliberately not answering the question.

'Nevertheless, you are one talked about tribute. And that impressive 10 in training, did you think you would be rivalling a Career district?'

'Not in a million years. But now you know there's more to 12 than meets the eye.'

'It certainly seems that way. People haven't been this excited regarding 12 since Haymitch's Games 20 years ago! Now that's something we all remember!'

The audience applauded for the millionth time that evening.

'He must be your mentor, yes? How is that?'

Clara paused. 'I can honestly say, he is quite unlike any man I have ever met. And as a result, I have to say you were wrong earlier,' she smirked.

Caesar put his hand on his chest. 'Me? Wrong? What is the meaning of this?'

'Well, you said you didn't think any woman could imagine having a better mentor than Finnick Odair, but I wouldn't swap Haymitch for the world.'

The comment was dripping with sarcasm, but the Capitol seemed to like that. The audience for the umpteenth time was engrossed in laughter

'Take that, Annie Cresta,' Caesar said wiping his eyes.

'The only way I can present you is as Clara the Kind!' Clara similarly got a large applause to her predecessor and then only Grantaire was left.

Clara worried about how he would come across. Grantaire was gentle and caring, but that would not do well for a male tribute. She needn't have worried. Grantaire was as aggressive as any Career.

'Grantaire, my friend, a 10 in the training room. That is admirable, especially from your district.'

'I appreciate the admiration Caesar, but my skills need to praise. I know how good I am, it's just for everyone else to find out.'

'Are you a tribute to be feared? To be dreaded? You certainly don't look very friendly.'

'Friends are for children, all I need are allies. And they're touch and go.'

'Well,' Caesar honestly seemed a little afraid of him. 'That's the last of our tributes for this year ladies and gentleman, I name him, Grantaire the Garish!'

Grantaire left the stage and Caesar remained to give the audience last minute details for the beginning of the Games.

'Not bad guys,' Haymitch stumbled in. 'I especially enjoyed the appreciation speech Clara,' he winked and Clara shuddered.

'And you boy, you scared half the Capitol into submission, and the tributes from 10. Perfect guys, all that's left for me to say is good luck for tomorrow. I won't be seeing you again, but I mean what I say. Good Luck. For the first time in years, I hope to bring one of you home.'

'But which one,' Grantaire whispered.

'That's the question,' Clara replied, and to her surprise she smiled, and Grantaire smiled back.

'My District 12 tributes, good work, good work,' Marcus skipped up to them, handkerchief in hand. Then he suddenly broke down.

'I don't want you to go,' he wept exaggeratedly. 'My double figure tributes!' He was inconsolable until one of the other escorts came up to comfort him.

Clara and Grantaire slowly tried to slip away, but he suddenly grabbed hold of Clara's arm.

'My dear, I know it's not the done thing, but I have a letter for you,' Marcus sobbed.

Clara froze. 'From home?' she said hopefully.

'No hun, unless you've changed your heritage to a Career district.'

Clara suddenly thought her past had finally caught up with her. 'Career district?'

'Yes, 2,' Marcus announced, handing her the letter. Clara breathed a sigh of relief, and then regret and pain flooded over her again.

Marcus' new friend dragged him away and Clara and Grantaire were left on their own.

'You know people in 2?' Grantaire asked her.

Clara sighed.

'Just one,' she replied.

Justice for Caesar Flickerman and the tributes? Next chapter should be up soon, the minute I've finished my Mandarin homework!