AUDIO FILE 220607991835000

TRANSCRIBER: INTERN ID 914205181404

[The audio is sourced from Katsuo Akiyama's pre-Games interview, 06/07/99. The participating speakers are Katsuo Akiyama, Tribute, and Elton Phosphenes, Master of Ceremonies.]

E. PHOSPHENES: Welcome to the stage, Katsuo! I've been looking forward to meeting you!

K. AKIYAMA: Thank you.

E. PHOSPHENES: First things first- congratulations on your score yesterday! A 10 is very impressive. Would you be willing to let us know what you did to impress the Gamemakers?

K. AKIYAMA: I'd prefer to avoid the specifics. Let's just say I have very good aim.

E. PHOSPHENES: You like to keep it mysterious?

K. AKIYAMA: The best shows have surprises, right? Allow me to surprise you tomorrow.

E. PHOSPHENES: I like that! I've also been told that you're a dancer back in District One.

K. AKIYAMA: Yes. I've studied ballet for many years.

E. PHOSPHENES: What's your favorite part?

K. AKIYAMA: More than anything, ballet is a sport, Elton- may I call you Elton?

E. PHOSPHENES: Of course, Katsuo.

K. AKIYAMA: But as I was saying, ballet is a sport. Talent will help you a little, but everything in ballet must be earned. Technique must be practiced many, many times before you can even begin to approach perfection.

E. PHOSPHENES: Do you value perfection?

K. AKIYAMA: Of course. If you're going to strive for something, strive for excellence. Otherwise, you're wasting your time.

E. PHOSPHENES: Does that apply to the Hunger Games as well?

K. AKIYAMA: Yes, it does. I take the Games very seriously, Elton.

E. PHOSPHENES: May I ask why you Volunteered?

[A moment of silence.]

K. AKIYAMA: Several reasons. First, I wouldn't have Volunteered if I didn't believe I could win.

E. PHOSPHENES: I like the confidence!

K. AKIYAMA: I believe I am easy for some to underestimate. I believe I am extremely skilled, and have both the talent and the knowledge to win. I also have the drive. When I commit myself to something- dance, training, Volunteering, winning- I do it. This time will be no different.

E. PHOSPHENES: It will be a challenge, though! Or do you disagree?

K. AKIYAMA: No, I don't disagree. I'm not a fool. I know that there will be formidable competitors in the arena with me, and that there will be other difficult unknown factors as well. But I am extremely prepared for everything and anything. I've been working for this as long as I can remember, Elton. I am not going to fail. Especially not this close to Victory.

E. PHOSPHENES: I see. You brought up the other tributes just now- is there anyone you've allied with? Anyone you're watching out for?

K. AKIYAMA: Yes, I'm allied with the tributes from districts Two and Four, as well as my district partner, Amar Firoza.

E. PHOSPHENES: How's the alliance going so far?

K. AKIYAMA: Well. Amar and I get along very well. The other four are also formidable. Thankfully, we've managed to avoid the drama that our alliance has had in some past years. I expect the six of us will do well tomorrow.

E. PHOSPHENES: That's great to hear. Any threats you're watching out for?

K. AKIYAMA: Of course.

E. PHOSPHENES: Any chance you'll name them?

K. AKIYAMA: I doubt they're difficult to figure out. If the scores and tonight's interviews don't make the tributes to watch out for clear, tomorrow in the arena certainly will. But, as I said earlier, I'd rather not reveal too much.

E. PHOSPHENES: Very fair. We have about a minute left now. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us? You've spoken a lot about the Games, but we haven't talked much about you, Katsuo.

K. AKIYAMA: We have. A significant part of my life has been centered around the Hunger Games. The Games are extremely important to me, and will continue to be for the rest of my life.

E. PHOSPHENES: Do you have anyone cheering you on at home?

K. AKIYAMA: I have a mother and a stepmother. My mother has invested in the Games as my future, and my stepmother supports her. My mother was also the one who enrolled me in ballet.

E. PHOSPHENES: Was she also a ballerina?

K. AKIYAMA: No, she was not. She was Capitol-born, and relocated to District One for work. She has instilled in me a great sense of respect and gratitude towards the Capitol, and believes this is the best way for me to honor our family name.

E. PHOSPHENES: Do you agree?

K. AKIYAMA: Yes. I have deep respect for the Capitol.

E. PHOSPHENES: What about honoring your family name?

K. AKIYAMA: Honor is important, yes. But so is making your own name for yourself. I carry my mother's name, but it is my name as well. I intend to make something of not only the Akiyama name, but the Katsuo Akiyama name.

E. PHOSPHENES: And you plan to do so by becoming a Victor?

K. AKIYAMA: I have much to prove. To myself, to the Capitol, to Panem, to… those watching in District One.

E. PHOSPHENES: That, I absolutely agree with!

K. AKIYAMA: That's what I'm here to resolve.

E. PHOSPHENES: Well, Katsuo, I wish you the best of luck.

K. AKIYAMA: Thank you, Elton.

E. PHOSPHENES: Thanks for coming out to talk with us today, and good luck for tomorrow!

K. AKIYAMA: Thank you.

E. PHOSPHENES: Let's give another round of applause for Katsuo Akiyama of District One!

[The audience applauds.]

[End transcription.]