Spartan Akuma, 18

District 2 Male

So far, my time in the Capitol had been subpar. I knew I was walking into a city of fashion and frivolity when I volunteered, but I never could have imagined just how extravagant these people were. My stylist literally had red gems embedded into the skin above her eyebrows. It was absolutely disgusting.

Veridie, our district's escort, was just as bad. She always wore neon and spoke with a high, sing-song voice that always made my head hurt. Even Billie and Mozu, the two people I had the most respect for, were quite low on my list.

But we were only two days away from the Games. The day after tomorrow, I'd be in the arena, bringing glory to my district. To my people. There was no better feeling. Tonight though, our scores would be airing on the television. I was confident that I had performed the best. After surveying the tributes in the training center, I knew they didn't compare to me. They were too cheery and friendly. In the arena, only one could win.

I knew the Games would be grueling; there was no doubt about it. But I also knew that I worked harder than any other trainee, from any district. I fought for years to earn my spot, and I was going to win.

"Spartan… it's time for dinner." Mozu's timid voice came from outside my door and I got up with an annoyed huff. Meals were events I could definitely do without. They were full of fancy, over-the-top foods and meaningless chatter.

"May I eat in my room?" I asked as I opened the door. I'd asked every night, and Veridie always said no. I didn't like the woman, but she was in charge, and I had to obey her… to an extent.

"Garrison wants us to eat together," Mozu said. "Otherwise I'd say 'yes'". I just nodded curtly and followed her down the hall.

The table was set and heaping with decadent food. A roast duck sat in the center, with baskets of rolls, bowls of salad, and cups of fruit all over. I picked up a plate and began to serve myself.

"Spartan!" Veridie gasped. "You don't do that. The avoxes serve you."

"No," I said firmly. She opened her mouth to argue more, but Garrison put a hand on her shoulder.

"Let the kid serve himself," my mentor said. "It won't hurt anyone." Veridie let out a grumpy little huff, but sat back down.

I ate in silence. Veridie gossiped away to Garrison about the latest fashions and trends while Mozu and Billie discussed training and her alliance.I didn't listen in. Spying on a conversation was inappropriate at best, and dishonorable at worst. And I was neither of those things.

After we ate, Veridie ushered us into the fancy sitting area. I sat on a plush armchair, frowning when I practically sunk into it.

"A little too soft, huh?" Mozu whispered as she sat down. I glared at her and she quickly looked away.

The television flicked on, revealing Caesar Flickerman and Head Gamemaker Phoenix Creed. They seemed to be discussing the chariot parade at the moment; complimenting the stylists and costumes and whatnot.

They chatted for a few more moments before Mr. Creed waved a hand.

"As much as I love talking with you Caesar, I think we'd better get to the scores."

"Yes, of course," Caesar said. "I'm on the edge of my seat!"

"Aren't we all," Mr. Creed said with a chuckle.

Then Adonis's handsome face took over the screen and Caesar began to read out the scores. With each one, the tribute's face appeared beside the large number.

Adonis Serrano with a score of… 10!

Lumine Bellerose with a score of… 9!

Spartan Akuma with a score of… 11!

Billie Silverrock with a score of… 10!

Hugo Firewall with a score of… 7!

Evelyne Hope with a score of… 7!

Marino Cortez with a score of… 6!

Mira Marlina with a score of… 9!

Rain Barton with a score of… 5!

Zeppelina Skansen with a score of… 8!

Ronald Jones with a score of… 8!

Winona Espero with a score of… 7!

Jackson Forester with a score of… 6!

Ebony Chaste with a score of… 5!

Jeff Tyler with a score of… 4!

Ada Worth with a score of… 5!

Vasir Lamar with a score of… 6!

Juliana Bruta with a score of… 7!

Victor Fry with a score of… 4!

Kerra Rathbone with a score of… 7!

Spruce Windstrong with a score of… 6!

Ruby Ashmead with a score of… 5!

Jonathan Colton with a score of… 5!

Beria Campbell with a score of… 4!

An 11! I scored an 11! That was higher than any other tribute, and was a score that was rarely awarded to tributes at all. I couldn't recall the last time I'd seen a contender with that score. Veridie, who was squealing with excitement, reached over to pat me on the shoulder. I moved away and shot her a stern look, but she seemed too excited to care.

"Nice job!" Mozu said, smiling at Billie and I. Garrison nodded.

"I'm very proud of both of you. Now, should we celebrate with some desert?"

Evelyne Hope, 18

District 3 Female

I was running through a misty forest, my feet catching on roots and rocks. I could hear Lana screaming for me somewhere ahead, but the fog was so thick I couldn't see her.

"Lana!" I screamed. "Hold on! I'm coming!"

I ran faster, pushing my body beyond its limits, and finally burst into a clearing. Water pooled amongst the rocks; and it was red with blood. Lana was on her knees, clutching her stomach. Blood dripped down her arms. When she looked at me, there were tears in her eyes.

"Evelyne," she croaked. "Save me."

"I will," I told her, dropping down beside her. "Everything is going to be okay."

But we both knew it wasn't. There was too much blood. Lana leaned in and rested her forehead against mine.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too." I leaned in to kiss her, but she was gone…

"Evelyne! It's time to get up!" Caligula's shrill voice cut through my dream, startling me awake. I sat up in bed, a single tear rolling down my cheek. My chest was heaving with heavy, panicked breaths.

"Evelyne!" Caligula called again. "Up! We've got a lot to do today!"

"I'm coming," I croaked. My voice felt raw and I grabbed a glass of water from my nightstand and chugged it.

"Good. Shower quickly, because we have things to discuss."

"Okay."

Stripping out of my sweaty pajamas, I turned on the complicated shower and eyed it suspiciously. The first night here, I was scalded. But on the train, the same setting sprayed freezing water. So I was wary. But after sticking a hand in and deeming it safe, I let the water run over me, soothing my tense muscles.

I'd been having dreams about Lana every night since I was reaped. They were never the same either. Some nights would be peaceful; us hanging out in my bedroom, or going on a movie date. And some were horrible; watching Lana die, or hearing her scream but being too far away to help. I shuddered just thinking about them.

I wanted to stay in the shower forever, but the thought of Caligula's lecture was enough motivation to get me moving. I stood on the strange white mat and let the air currents dry my hair and body before changing into a sweater-like dress and leggings. Then I went to join everyone for breakfast.

Caligula was still wearing his beloved bowler hat, which made me smile. I'd never seen him without it, and it was something Vizio and I joked about often. I was grateful to have him as my mentor.

I chose to sit beside him as a few avoxes brought out our plates. Breakfast was pancakes with some sort of lemon syrup, and it was amazing. Hugo seemed more interested in the hot chocolate though, and ended up with a bit of a mustache when he finished his cup, which made me giggle.

Over breakfast, Caligula explained what the day was going to consist of. He reminded us that the interviews were this evening, and that we had to prepare. We'd practice etiquette with him and our strategy with our mentors.

"I call strategy first," I said when Hugo brought it up. Everyone looked at me.

"What? I'm already etiquetted." Beetee and Vizio laughed and Caligula rolled his eyes, but he seemed amused too.

"Okay," he said. "Hugo, you'll come with me.

After we'd eaten, Vizio took me into the sitting area.

"Alright," he said, easing himself into a chair. I took a seat across from him.

"You're pretty personable," he told me. "Lean into that. The whole goal of the interviews is to get people to like you."

"Okay," I said. "So, just be nice and happy?"

"Yes. But don't be forgettable. You scored high, and you're kind of a legacy tribute, so you'll be on people's minds. They'll be invested in your interview. Make sure they stay invested."

I nodded. Just answer Caesar's questions, make people laugh, and be memorable. I could do that. Right?

Hi everyone! Here's another chapter, and the final one before the interviews! I don't know how long those will take me, but it'll probably be a decent amount of time. I'll do my best to be timely, but we'll see. Short author's note today because I'm tired, but I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Questions

1) Do the scores seem reasonable?

2) Whose score surprised you the most?

3) If you could save one tirbute from the bloodbath, who would it be?

Alliances

The Careers:
- Adonis
- Lumine
- Billie
- Mira
- Marino

Winona's Bunch:
- Evelyne
- Winona
- Ronald
- Jackson
- Ebony
- Kerra
- Victor

Manipulation Station:
- Hugo
- Zeppelina
- Vasir
- Ruby

The Family Men:
- Jeff
- Spruce
- Jonathan

Loners:
- Spartan
- Rain
- Ada
- Juliana
- Beria

Have a nice day, be kind to each other, and never stop reading!

- Fiona