CW/TW: Amy's POV contains some gross shaming of Maize.

Tybalt Alistair Martell, 18

Interview Hall, Capitol

D2M

July 5, 329 AEDD

Tybalt was so excited to be interviewed. After his masterful debut at the Reaping, he was ready to take the Capitol by storm. His stylist had dressed him in an emerald green tuxedo with a silver waistcoat, and he couldn't wait for his turn. Nascha went first, and he watched as she captivated the watchers with her angle. Orpheus had a funnier approach and charmed them all with his humor and romanticism, even if Tybalt felt mildly nauseous hearing him alluding to a mystery lover. "You'll find out their identity in the arena," chuckled Orpheus to Pandora, and she prodded for details. Haylia had an ultra-appealing angle and seemed to impress the audience. Then it was Tybalt's turn.

"Welcoming our next tribute to the stage, it's the dashing Mr. Martell!" The audience cheered with rapturous applause as Tybalt took his seat across from Pandora. "How are you feeling tonight, Tybalt?" she asked. "With the predicted first placement and a stunning score of ten, people are expecting great things of you."

"I must say, I feel very flattered. I'm terribly arrogant, you see, and I have absolute confidence in my Victory. I'm just glad we're all in agreement." He flashed an indulgent smile.

"So you're not worried about the state of your alliance?"

"Absolutely not. Nathaniel is a phenomenal leader, and we've all gotten along really well. It's a great group of Careers. I'm just disappointed that only one of us can win."

"A shame, but not a surprise. And speaking of surprises, is there anything that has surprised you about the Capitol?"

"I was just amazed by the vibrance of it all. Everything is so colorful and bright. District Two is incredible, but it's a desert district. There's a lot of beige. I do miss the view of the mountains back home, but the mountains here are beautiful too. I'm told the horizon over the water is to die for."

"It is! If you come back Victorious, we'll have to take you there for a vacation. It's just sublime."

"I can't wait for that day to come, Pandora."

"So just to confirm, it's a when, not an if?"

"It's definitely a when. I'm the strongest tribute here, and I'm going to be the one to leave the arena. Victory would mean so much to me. I've dreamed of winning the Hunger Games since I was a little boy. This is a wish ten years in the making, and I'll have achieved my wildest dreams in just a couple of weeks. It makes me a little heady if I think about it for too long."

"Well, you certainly sound very confident. Is there anyone at home who'll be cheering you on in particular? A best friend?" Tybalt didn't have a best friend, or many friends in general, just a posse of followers who were slightly terrified of him and two parents for whom his impending Victory was an expectation, not a point of pride. Still, he knew how to answer this, maintaining a pleasant tone of voice despite feeling bitter about it.

"My friends have been with me on this journey for so long, and I deeply appreciate all the support. My parents will be thrilled to have a Victor for a son, but we've had a bit of a rocky relationship. To me, winning the Games is more significant than just a ticket to the sweet life. It's representative of my journey towards adulthood. I'm going to be a grown man with his own home and finances by the end of this. I'm not sure what else I want in this world, but I'm looking forward to figuring it out."

"I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. And one last question for you, Tybalt. What makes you the best tribute here? Could you give us some insight into that predicted ranking?"

"My intelligence. I'm physically strong, but it would mean nothing without my intellect. I'm a tactician, and that's why I'm going to be your next Victor." The timer chimed. Tybalt's three minutes were up.

"And let's give it up for Tybalt Alistair Martell!" There was a round of rapturous applause as Tybalt strode offstage, and his churning stomach calmed. He had done well. They wouldn't count him out anytime soon. Now he just had to sit through the other tributes' interviews. He would go to bed early and get plenty of sleep in anticipation of the big day, and then he would prove to all of Panem why they ought to take his interview seriously.

Tybalt had come to conquer the competition, and in just over twelve hours, he would begin to do so. 10:00 a.m. couldn't come fast enough.

Odicci Harbore, 18

Interview Hall, Capitol

D4F

July 5, 329 AEDD

Odicci hadn't come in with a very defined angle. She was generally strong at public speaking and hadn't made many enemies in her lifetime, so Kaylee had decided she was better off finding her flow in the moment. Odicci already had plans to share some anecdotes, including the gelato tradition, but she was excited to react to Pandora's questions live and in real time. The other Careers had all performed well. Odicci watched as the Three girl took the stage in a blouse and pinafore.

"Say hello to Miss Behring of District Three, everyone!" exclaimed Pandora. Twyla took her time describing her alliance and enthusing about their group dynamic. She seemed like she would get a few sponsors. Then it was her district partner's turn, and he decided to briefly make some predictions about the Bloodbath and talk about his family back in Three. The Careers definitely stood out more than the outliers so far, and Odicci hoped to keep the trend going. Pandora welcomed her onstage. "It's time for Miss Harbore! Odicci, how are you doing this evening?"

"I'm feeling good. The Career Pack is strong, we're getting along, and we're organized for tomorrow."

"That's great to hear. Would you say the Career scores are a positive omen?"

"For sure. Seven tens is a strong showing, and it proves that we're all on the same page as one another. We're going to have a great first day in the arena, and the other tributes should take heed."

"So you're not worried?"

"Of course not. I have total confidence in my allies. We're not letting anyone get in our heads. Nathaniel is a friend and a great leader, and he's managing our collective strategy really well. We've got some smart people this year, I'll tell you right now, and we're all looking forward to impressing you."

"I'm looking forward to seeing it. Now, Odicci, what would you say is your personal greatest strength? What gives you an edge over the other tributes?"

Odicci took a few seconds to consider that. "I'd definitely say my family. My mother taught me how to make hard choices easier, and I know people get conflicted during the Games. I have to admit I'm a bit of a bleeding heart, but I know how to put aside my feelings and get the job done. My mom's the best, by the way, and I can't wait for you to meet her in Final Eight interviews. You'll recognize her because she looks exactly like me, but prettier, and she radiates this amazing warmth. We have a, not distant, but I'd say it's a professional relationship. Neither of us like getting gooey and emotional, and we process better in private, but we hang out all the time. She's my best friend."

"She sounds like an incredible mother. What's your favorite memory with her?"

"We have this tradition of gelato on Fridays in the summertime. It started when she divorced my father. I found her out on the balcony with gelato. You know, classic breakup recovery mode. But we decided to turn it into a happy memory by making it a ritual. Now it's our time to decompress together, where we can really level with one another and discuss whatever we need. I'm proud to say that she helped me plan my Games strategy out on our balcony, and I'll always cherish those nights with her."

"That's such a great advantage, Odicci. She sounds like a massive help."

"She is."

"Well, I wish I had time to talk more with you, it's been an absolute delight, but our turn is unfortunately up. Give it up for Miss Harbore, everybody!"

Odicci walked back to her seat swelling with pride. She had done exactly what she needed to garner some positive attention and help give people an idea of who she was. Relaxing after the pressure switched to Nathaniel, she hoped that he would also deliver a strong performance. She really did have faith in the Career Pack, but that wasn't the only thing on her mind.

Her mother, at the end of the Goodbyes in the Justice Building, had told Odicci to ask Kaylee about the Shoals. There hadn't been an opportune moment yet, but Odicci had complete faith in her mother. If she said to talk with Kaylee, it was important that she talked with Kaylee. She needed to find out the secret before she entered the arena, because knowing Allium, there was a good chance she was giving her daughter a hidden clue relating to the Games, something that might give her an extra edge.

Either way, Odicci was ready for the competition to begin.

Amy Kawasaki, 16

Interview Hall, Capitol

D5F

July 5, 329 AEDD

"Let's give a warm welcome to Miss Kawasaki!" exclaimed Pandora. Amy proudly swished onstage in an exquisite gown.

"Hello, world!"

"How are you doing tonight, Amy?" asked Pandora, after Amy had sat down and gotten herself settled.

"Oh, I've just been so bored waiting for my turn. None of these girls are interesting whatsoever. Can you imagine any of them winning? I sure can't."

"An interesting answer. Do you plan on winning?"

"Well, of course I plan on winning, even though the Gamemakers tried to sabotage me. I deserved at least an eight in the private sessions, but apparently Miss Muriel has a death wish. We all know what happens to Head Gamemakers who ruin the storyline."

"Do you feel that you have a strong plan going into the Games?" Any allies?"

"Not yet, although I do have a truce with my district partner. We don't really get along, but we're not going to waste our energy taking each other out when everyone else is already targeting us. They want to kill us because we're threats, but we're not going to let that happen. Some of us have honor, you know."

"Which tributes specifically do you think are targeting you?" Pandora seemed intrigued, but Amy wasn't expecting much support from her. Her answers had already proven that she was as against Amy as everyone else.

"The Career Pack, pompous pricks that they are. And that stupid little redhead, the one who scored the nine? I'll bet you anything she's fucking some old man after training, finding a sugar daddy to pay off the Capitol." The crowd immediately booed.

Pandora stifled a gasp. "I beg your pardon? Amy, I really don't—"

"Because you've got it out for me like the rest of them." Amy swept a hand towards the audience. "All of you! You all hate District Five! You hate beauty, you hate resilience, you hate me because you know our social standings ought to be reversed. I deserve to be a Capitolite. You're not fit to do my laundry!"

The room filled with a horrified silence. Amy looked around desperately for support, but people didn't seem to be convinced by her passionate speech.

A man in the crowd jumped up and pointed at her. "She's a rebel!"

"I love the Capitol! I just think I deserve it more than you people do."

"Get her!" shouted someone else.

"Oopsie, I think we've run out of time," said Pandora, trying to salvage the situation. "Sorry, Amy." A Peacekeeper came onstage and escorted her off, gripping her wrist.

"What was that?!" Amy exclaimed. "I didn't run out of time. She lied!"

"You might be a disgusting, horrible person onstage, but you won't be alive for much longer, will you?"

"Fuck you."

"You've blown it. Everybody knows you're a selfish diva who likes hurting other people. You think anybody is going to sponsor you after you just insulted them? You're dead on your feet. Now we're gonna have Dot lock you in your room so you can't pull any bullshit before we throw you into the arena."

"I hope your husband cheats on you with his secretary."

"Joke's on you, I'm a lesbian." The Peacekeeper hauled Amy along after her.

"Why are you so annoying?"

"Because I'm sick of dealing with you and Aran. You two have taken years off my life."

"Good."

"You know, I don't like seeing the tributes die, but I don't feel so guilty about you. You don't deserve the death penalty, but my god, the sooner you go, the better off the other tributes will be. For the record, the Nine girl doesn't cause us any problems, and she's much more polite than you."

"I'm going to kill her in the worst way possible."

"Amy, I really don't think that's going to happen. I think you're going to be a very forgettable Bloodbath placement." The Peacekeeper brought Amy into the District Five suite, where Dot, furious, was already waiting."

"Put her in her room," she ordered." The Peacekeeper shoved Amy inside and bolted the door from the exterior. Amy heard the sound of Dot helping her move a heavy chair under the doorknob to barricade it.

Amy laid down on her bed, eager to marinate in her justified rage.

Ash Maris, 13

Interview Hall, Capitol

D8F

July 5, 329 AEDD

It had taken a while for Pandora to regroup and get the crowd under control. Aran muddled through his interview and came off as weak and whiny, which Ash felt privately satisfied by. Then District Six went. Vica attained moderate success, and Danny also performed above average. They weren't allied with her, but Ash was still proud of them. A win for them was a win for all outliers. District Seven wasn't particularly notable. The tributes dragged a bit, but they didn't push the crowd to boredom. They just weren't especially interesting.

Ash was the first person in her alliance to be interviewed, so she was definitely feeling the pressure. She wanted to get sponsors interested in her so that her alliance would have some backup in the Capitol if they got injured during the Games. Hopefully they would remember Ash, the most likable member of the group, from her interview and decide to lend a hand. "Next up, we're going to meet Miss Maris! Come on up, honeybun." Ash took note of Pandora's endearment. She was always especially supportive of the younger tributes, and Ash knew that acting her age would work in her favor. Still, she wanted to walk the line and display some adult intelligence. If nobody thought she had a shot at winning, they wouldn't waste money on keeping her alive.

"Hi," said Ash.

"Hello, Ash. It's so good to see you. How are you feeling tonight?"

"Well, I'm missing District Eight. I've never been away from my father before."

"That's understandable. I felt homesick when I first moved away from my family too, but it passes in time. Is there anything you've enjoyed here?"

"I love the food, and everything's so clean. It's been nice having people bring things to me, like I'm on a little vacation. The Capitol's nice, it's just not the same as being in my own room." Someone in the crowd cooed sympathetically.

"How are you feeling about your chances in the Games?" asked Pandora soberly.

"I'm feeling alright. I didn't score very high, but I wasn't expecting to because I didn't use a weapon. Aspen's the protector in the alliance, and I'm really confident in her abilities."

"Are you allied with anyone else?"

"Yes, we're teaming up with Pace and Kenny, my district partner. In my session, I made shelters for each biome from scratch materials. I might not know everything, but none of us are going to be dying of exposure."

"So you've researched all the possible arenas?"

"Yes, we wanted to be prepared for anything. The other major thing we focused on was finding water."

"Those are great skills to have when you step into the arena tomorrow," Pandora said encouragingly.

"That's the hope. It's not much fun for the Gamemakers to watch, but I think it'll be useful."

"So, Ash, you mentioned your father. Is it just him back home?"

"Yes, it is. He's chronically ill, and he's a wonderful dad. He's really thoughtful, but it's hard for him to work, so I do detail work at a garment factory to help bring in money. I'm going to do my best to win so I can see him again. We'll move out of our apartment and into a Victor's Village manor. The Hunger Games are a little daunting, but I think I have a chance if I make it past the Bloodbath tomorrow."

"And we'll be in your corner the whole time. Is there anything else you'd like your fans to know?"

"Just that I appreciate them and all their support. This competition is pretty serious, and I'm so grateful for everyone who's decided to stand by me and my allies. Thank you for everything."

"You're very welcome, young lady. Miss Maris, everyone!"

The audience cheered as Ash stood up and returned to her seat among the other tributes. She decided she had done well. As long as she'd been noticed for the right reasons, it was going to be okay. She was concerned about the Bloodbath, but she wasn't planning on going towards the Cornucopia. She wanted to run away as quickly as possible and escape before the Careers got antsy and started picking off nearby tributes.

She hoped her father had on the television and saw her interview. Even if she died, her trick in the Justice Building had secured his financial future. She was so scared for the morning, but she hoped he knew how much she loved him.

Mare Duster, 18

Interview Hall, Capitol

D10F

July 5, 329 AEDD

Mare was looking forward to her interview. Wearing a cleavage-forward cocktail dress in a stunning dusty rose pink, she knew she was beautiful. The Capitol was generally a fan of beauty, and Mare knew that acting like a bit of a ditz would work in her favor when it came to Fahad. She ultimately decided to play it as teenage true-blue love. Fahad was adorable and sweet, and even though she was probably more compelling to the audience, a good romance never went unappreciated. Fahad's flaws would all become cute quirks when viewed through the lens of a relationship with Mare, and it would get them both sponsors. Mare was just debating whether to drop the bombshell in the interview or not.

She watched the Eight boy stumble through his interview. The Nine girl who scored the ten was soul-crushingly shy and could barely talk to the audience. It seemed genuine to Mare, like the girl was seriously socially anxious, but it was an effective way of dimming any concerns about her being a threat. She would probably get passed over by the Careers in the Bloodbath after all the stuttering and hiding behind her hair, and Mare was secretly rooting for her so hard. She had come in as an underdog and was striking back at the Career institution without even trying, and Mare hoped that if she and Fahad died, Maize or one of the rebels would win. The rebels probably couldn't realistically make it past the Gamemakers, but Maize had a shot. She was so thoroughly unobjectionable and it had been forever since District Nine's last Victor. People would welcome such a sweet girl as a winner. Jeremiah was alright, definitely more comfortable than Maize, but stood out as a much stronger tribute, which was even better for Maize. Mare didn't like his chances of survival, but she hoped he took down some Careers on his way out. All the better for her and Fahad.

In the chair next to her, he was leaning his head on her shoulder. She had her hand draped loosely around his shoulders. She was sure the cameras would be on her when her turn began, so she made sure she was visibly being affectionate with him when Jeremiah's interview was wrapping up.

"It's time for the lovely Miss Duster, all the way from District Ten," announced Pandora. "How are you tonight, Mare? I love your dress, by the way."

"It's bittersweet," confided Mare. "I'm excited to get in the arena, but I'm also scared I'll die. There are so many strong tributes, and I'm planning to go into the Cornucopia, so I'm a little worried about the Careers."

"That's a very understandable fear, but we're all rooting for you. I have to ask, you and your district partner were certainly looking cozy. Are you just friends, or is there something more?"

Mare knew that she was pinking around the cheeks, which would only boost her story's believability. "You caught me. We're together."

"You're together?"

"Yes. The problem is that only one of us can make it through. The timing is really unfortunate, but I'm so happy I have Fahad. I can't imagine how it'd feel to be separated from him in the arena."

"That is terrible timing," Pandora murmured. "At least you found each other though, right? I imagine it's comforting having a ride-or-die when you're heading into the Games, someone to watch your back, who'd never betray you in a million years."

"You're so right, it's so reassuring to have someone looking out for you. He's the best."

"You must tell us when you got together, Mare! Did you know each other back home?"

"Nope! We just started cozying up on the train and it was love at first sight. Now we can't bear to be apart."

"A story for the ages, and such a tragedy. What would you say is Fahad's greatest quality as a boyfriend? I'm sure we're all curious about your partnership." The crowd roared in agreement, already invested in Mare's recounting of events. She mentally translated Pandora's question into sponsorship terms: We already like you. Sell us on him.

"He's so kind to me. I don't think I've ever met someone this caring. He's beyond comparison as a friend, and I've always been of the opinion that all boyfriends should be best friends. It's just a lifelong sleepover, isn't it? Especially when we're camping out in the arena."

"Quite right. I do wish you luck, Mare, but I'm afraid our time together is up. May the odds be ever in your favor."

As Mare traded places with Fahad, she smiled to herself. The interview had gone exactly as planned.

Xanthe Sparacello, 13

Interview Hall, Capitol

D11F

July 5, 329 AEDD

Xanthe found the interviews confusing. The real interviews happened posthumously with the High King, when you could confess your Degeneracy and ask hHm to be lenient. Xanthe had no interest in performing for the masses of the Capitol. She just wanted to impress the High King and become His prophet. He was going to take care of everything, so it wasn't like Xanthe needed sponsors. Elodie's deals didn't matter. Xanthe just needed to remain pure and holy, untouched by actions of Degeneracy. She would not give in to vanity and pride on the world stage like all the other tributes, simpering to the costumed people and battling for their favor. Xanthe's heart ached for them. She needed to save them all, rescue them by informing them of the High King's plan, and the conversion effort would truly begin when she was crowned Victor.

"Please welcome Miss Sparacello!" said Pandora. Xanthe reluctantly went up onstage. "How are you doing?" asked Pandora.

"I'm concerned for you," said Xanthe. "I assume nobody has spoken to you about the High King before, or you would be living your life very differently."

"Huh?"

"The High King is a generous being," Xanthe explained. "He is a deity who saves humans from the scourge of Degeneracy by ascending them to the Elation. When I win the Hunger Games, I'm going to help you understand, and you're going to be rescued. It will all be okay, I promise."

"Are you feeling alright, honeybun?"

"Excuse me? You need the help, not me. The High King is essential to the balance of our country, but unfortunately so few people know of him. Fortunately, He has engineered my presence in the Games so I can bring His wisdom into the common knowledge. Soon his holy epithet will be a household name and Panem will experience a cultural and moral revolution. We will heal our rifts and secure our future."

"How do you feel about your training score?" asked Pandora.

"I chose not to display anything to the Gamemakers."

"Because…?"

"Because the High King is taking care of everything," explained Xanthe patiently. "He's provided me with protection in the arena, and he's even given me insurance by designating some acolytes to protect me—Jeremiah, Danny, and Vica—so I know that I'm going to be the Victor and begin to carry out His mission once I come back to the Capitol."

"That's an interesting angle," said Pandora, seemingly at a loss for words. "How are you getting on in the Capitol?"

"There's Degeneracy everywhere, you poor things. I would be angry at your misbehavior except you all obviously don't know anywhere, so it wouldn't be fair to punish you. Instead I'm going to teach you how to be better after I win the Hunger Games, which is why you should just drop the pretenses of sponsorship altogether. The High King knows His stuff. Your money isn't going to do anything, you might as well literally flush it down the toilet. I'll be making it home." The people in the crowd seemed increasingly uneasy, which Xanthe was confused by. Why weren't they receptive to her rational arguments? Oh well, they would all be convinced after she outlasted the other tributes whose lives they were trying to extend with gifts.

"Oh. Well, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?"

"The High King is going to make me a prophet so I can educate the people of District Eleven and then the rest of the country, but first he's expanding the reach of my teachings by bringing me to the attention of the public via the Games. Very simple, really."

"Okay, well, what do you think about the other tributes?"

"They're complete Degenerates. I feel sorry for them. Some Degenerates, like you, don't mean to do wrong, but the other tributes are selfish or arrogant on purpose. They probably know better.

"Would you like to end your interview now?" asked Pandora.

"Sure. Goodbye," Xanthe said, then stood up and walked back to her seat.

"Let's welcome up Pace," Pandora was saying. Xanthe was surprised to find that she had no strong feelings about her performance. She spoke the truth, and there was nothing more to say about anything. The High King was in her corner, and that was enough.

THE RINGMASTER

The Ringmaster was growing concerned. First, Konstance was fleeing to sanctuary in district six, they still had no idea who the mole was, and now that her boyfriend/lackey had been captured by undercover Capitolites, she was a man short. Ivan Cardozo was dead, and her undercover agent had sent out a distress call revealing he had been tossed in jail—something about beating a misbehaving Avox while he was spying undercover as a chef in the Presidential Mansion—before his comm bracelet had died and he'd been truly cut off.

Her plan was falling to pieces, but she had a band of loyal followers. She'd been cultivating them for years: Peacekeepers who were dissatisfied with the soft-on-crime, district-coddling Willoughby administration, but someone in her inner circle was a traitor. She just didn't know who, but when she found out, she could finally put her plan into place.

The Games would be the perfect distraction.

The Capitol would look so lovely backlit by orange flame.

And the Ringmaster would reign over it all.

Hey y'all,

We're only one chapter away from the Bloodbath! Next chapter we'll be saying hello (or goodbye lol) to Orpheus, Haylia, Brielle, Kenny, Maize, and Pace. Also, I'm on a roll because I JUST GOT ACCEPTED INTO MY DREAM SCHOOL! THIS BOY IS GOING TO COLLEGE! Anyways, um, see you soon with the launch. Yayyyy!
—LC :)