Chapter Seven (District 6 vs District 13)
Scores and Interviews
Apollo Ritter, 15
District Six, eighteenth male
We were woken up quite early today. Santiago shook me awake at six o'clock. I groaned, and blearily looked at him.
"Why are we getting up so early?" I asked.
"Well first, you always have to be ready to get up and run at any moment in the arena," he replied, "but secondly, we have to get you through both interview training and stylist dressing as fast as possible. The scores will start to be announced at midday, and then the interviews start at four. We will be eating, then leaving straight for the Ravinstill Grand Theatre right after the scores, so we six hours. Come out and eat, we start at half past." He left, and went to go wake up the next tribute.
I rolled out of bed, and flicked on the light. I went into the bathroom, and had a quick shower. After drying myself, I put on a simple pair on jeans and a pink t-shirt. I headed down and met Chevy, Chassis and Lincon down on the base level. We sat together and talked.
"How do you guys think you did in the private session?" Lincon asked. "I used a crossbow and did the poisonous plants station."
"I used a baton and rope. Showed how to tie various knots, and how to use a rope to climb and choke," I replied.
"I just used a knife," replied Chassis.
"I used a sword and set snares," said Chevy.
Hopefully we would all get a decent score. If I had to predict my own score, I would say I would get a fifteen. That is roughly the average for all tributes over the past few years.
I saw Maddison sitting on the other side of the room, putting a new bandage on her arm. I saw a bad cut on it, which shocked me, as she was fine yesterday.
"Do you know what happened to Maddison?" I asked.
"Yeah, I heard her talk about it to Dasher about it. Apparently, yesterday in her private session, she was showing off her skills with the sword and tripped over her own feet. She fell and cut herself quite badly with the sword," replied Chassis. "The Capitol have stopped it bleeding, but are not healing it fully. She will still have a sore arm when we go into the arena."
Chevy open his mouth to say something, but at that moment, Eugene stood up, and called for everyone's' attention.
"OK guys, we are going to start the day. So, the way we are going to do this is the first half of you will go to your stylists and get fitted for your interview costumes. The second half is going with your mentors, and being trained on how to act during the interviews. After two and a half hours, you are going to swap."
"So, can everyone from Buster to Guega go up to your floor where your stylist and prep team are waiting." Said Santiago. "The rest of you please go to the common room where the four of us," indicating himself and the other mentors, "will coach you all in how to act."
Lincon, Chassis and Chevy all stood up and headed towards the common room, as I headed towards the lift. I waved goodbye to them and got in the line for the lift. After a few minutes, I got into the lift with Mandrai, Jason and Azalea. The lift stopped on the sixteenth floor for the other two to get out, before heading up to the eighteenth floor, where me and Mandrai were staying. Our stylist, Elara Typlin, was there talking to the six members of the prep teams.
"Are right, you're here. Goodie. Go with your prep teams and get quickly cleaned." She said. My prep team pulled me to my room, and shoved me into the shower after tearing off my clothes. They blasted me with water, while scrubbing at me. It was annoying, but I just let them do it. After cleaning me, I was walked out of the room naked and into the main area. Elara was still standing there, and turned to look at me and Mandrai. She pursed her lips while staring at us. I did not much have faith in her, as out parade costumes were bad. The metal of the cars scraped against our skin a lot.
"I have an idea," she said, eagerly clapping her hands. She clicked her fingers, and an avox came forwards. "You, I want you to get these things," she said, writing down a list of items on a sheet of paper. She then signalled for the prep teams to come forwards. She whispered to them for a little bit, while me and Mandrai awkwardly avoided eye contact. It was very weird being naked next to a random person I have never met before, especially as she was eighteen, and I was only fifteen. Lots of boys my age would love this, but I just found it awkward. At long last, Elara turned around, and sent us back to our rooms with our prep teams.
When I got to my room, the prep team pushed me down into a chair and one of them, Solaris, who had bright orange skin with green hair, making him look like a carrot. I just let him drag a comb through my hair. He neatened it up a little, before using gel to start to style it. He combed it into a mohawk, while the other two worked on my nails, painting them pink. Solaris meanwhile picked up a tube of pink hair dye, and put streaks of pink in my hair. One of the other two, a purple haired women name Dippria, took a paint brush and painted pink lines and swirls on my arms while the third one, a bald man with lion skin tattoos all over his body, started putting make up on my face. Thankfully, it was not much. Just some concealer, eye shadow and pink lipstick.
After about thirty minutes, they had finished. Dippria left, and returned a few minutes later with my costume. It was a bright pink pair of trousers, with orange stipes down the sides. The top was a vest that was also bright pink. There were no sleeves on the vest, and when they put it on me, they didn't do the top button up, letting half of my bear chest remain visible. The prep team called Elara in, and she stared at me for a few minutes, before talking to the prep team for two minutes.
"OK, that is nearly perfect, but it is now unfortunately time for you to have your training for the interviews," said Elara sourly, as if she thought it was a waste of her precious styling time to have proper training for interviews. The prep team carefully took of my outfit, before wiping the make up off with a special cleaning wipe, that took it all off in one quick wipe. They then handed me some clothes before leaving. I quickly put on my clothes, before heading out of my room to the lift. I met Mandrai just before I got on the lift.
"How's your outfit?" she asked as we got into the lift.
"Pink trousers and vest. Do not really like how much it shows off my body," I replied
"Same, but at least you have trousers. My outfit is literally a pair of short shorts and a crop top. Ninety percent of my body is being shown off. Fucking hate it," muttered Mandrai. I winced. Even though the Victor Prostitution Circle no longer forces all Victors into it, the Capitol was still obsessed with trying to sexualise the tributes. The Victors from District One were almost always happy to be in it. The rest of them, a bit more rarely.
We got down to the bottom floor, and left the lift, passing Lincon, Valsa, Chassis and Nuvi going into the lift. Mandrai and I went into the common room, where most of the other tributes were waiting. After about two more minutes, Jacobi and Bonnet arrived, being the last two to arrive. Swansea, Santiago, Eugene and Werntius were sitting together at the other end of the room, talking quietly, before they look up at us, and noticed we were all there.
"OK, you're all here. Perfect," said Eugene. "Now, you are going to splint into male and female. Do that now please." We split into our groups. Eugene continued "Good, now then. When I call your name, please go with your group. Izzy, Zoey, Colma, Azalea, Damla and Mandrai can you please go with Werntius. Raven, Holly, Ariel, Maddison, Bonnet and Kentucky, can you please go with Swansea." The girls all left with their respective mentors. Eugene carried on, "Saturn, Paxton, Keith, Dasher, Jacobi and Tank can you go with Santiago. Finally, Ryder, Bentley, Nelson, Jason, Ford and Apollo stay here with me please."
I watched everyone who needed to leave, go. There were only seven of us left in the room. Eugene moved towards us. He stood in front of us for a little bit chewing his lip and staring at us.
"So, Apollo, let's start with you. What are you going to do in the interview?" asked Eugene
"I was thinking of showing my loyalty to my allies. Talking about our plans on what we are going to do, some will be fake, some will be truthful. I want to tell some truths to keep the audience in suspense," I replied.
"Decent," our mentor replied. He then talked to the other five, but I largely ignored what they were saying. None of the others were in a big alliance, so I did not need to pay attention. After a few more minutes, Eugene called for our attention. He stood up, and told us that the interview practice was about to begin.
For the next hour and a half, we were taught how to walk properly, how to hold ourselves in the interview, how to smile, how to react and how to remain polite. It was mind numbingly boring, and it seemed to take forever.
Finally, after a long time, Eugene said we were finished. The seven of us quickly pushed the sofas back into position. Then, the rest of the tributes entered the room, along with the mentors, stylists and prep teams. We were told to sit down on the sofas in order, with the first pair on the first sofa, and the last pair on the twenty-fourth sofa. They were arranged in four rows of six, so Mandrai and I, along with Elara and the prep teams were on the final sofa on the third row.
Eugene Kalsa, Victor of the Nine-Hundred-and-Fifty-Seventh Hunger Games, 57
District Six resident and mentor
It was midday, and I was sitting in the common room on the ground floor of the District Six building. I was sitting at the back with Santiago, Swansea and Werntius. The tributes were all sitting on the sofas in front of us, with their stylists and prep teams sitting next to them. Each pair had their own sofa. The morning had been spent rushing through preparations for the interviews, which would start at four o'clock. We were leaving for them right after this. The scores would be announced soon. As we were waiting, my mind starting drifting backwards.
I remembered when I was in this position. During my Games, there had been two Victors alive, Sierra and Chevy. I spent the evening after the score announcement crying in my room, as I had only earned a seven. I was fourteen at the time, and was so nervous. I had not been to the Academy passed the mandatory three years, as my family couldn't afford it. I remembered Sierra coming into my room, and sitting down on my bed. She was so kind and caring, even managing to make me laugh. The next day, I was still smiling slightly when I entered the arena. That year, it was an apartment building. It was eight floors tall, with multiple rooms on each floor. I ran from the Bloodbath with a supply pack. I spent most of the Games wandering around the apartments. My pack had contained a knife, which I used to kill the District Twenty-Two female when I found her nearly dead from a stab wound. Three days later, I was sent to the Cornucopia by civilian mutts. I ran into the centre to find the male from Three and girl from Fifteen. I watched as the Three boy killed the Fifteen girl. I ran towards the Three boy, I ducked under his arm, and slit his throat. The boy fell to the ground.
I was distracted from my flashback by Swansea elbowing me in the side. I looked at her. She pointed at the screen, as the programme started. Sphinx Flickerman appeared on the screen. He had her hair dyed pink and light grey, and the two colours wound around each other in a ponytail. He smiled at the camera. I took a deep breath, hoping that all our tributes got a decent score.
"Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen, to the first score announcement of the Fortieth Quarter Quell. Today, we shall find out the scores of our ninety-six tributes from District Six and District Thirteen."
Busters' face appeared on screen. "From District Six, first male Buster Slosser scores… twenty-two," Buster cheered happily.
Chelseas' face replaced Busters'. "From District Six, first female Chelsea Gripolik scores… nineteen," Chelsea nodded, satisfied.
Railsons' face appeared Chelseas'. "From District Six, second male Railson Naftali scores… eight" Railson bit his lip and looked down. Buster started to laugh, but his stylist hit him over the head.
Mercedes' face replaced Railsons'. "From District Six, second female Mercedes Honore scores… seven," Railson put his arm around Mercedes as she started crying.
Chevys' face replaced Mercedes'. "From District Six, third male Chevy Irplon scores… twelve," Chevy sighed, and nodded.
Severas' face replaced Chevys'. "From District Six, third female Severa Ciders scores… eight," Severa clenched her fist and muttered to herself, rubbing the stump on her other arm.
Rivets' face replaced Severas'. "From District Six, fourth male Rivet Evangeline scores… ten," Rivet made no reaction.
Cowls' face replaced Rivets'. "From District Six, fourth male Cowl Shappo scores… twelve," Cowl took a deep breath and then looked back at the screen.
Crystalers' face replaced Cowls'. "From District Six, fifth male Crystaler Monts scores… seventeen," Crystaler growled quietly, before starting to mutter as well.
Axelles' face replaced Crystalers'. "From District Six, fifth female Axelle Hartzog scores… twenty," Axelle whopped and punched the air.
Lincons' face replaced Axelles'. "From District Six, sixth male Lincon Beltran scores… sixteen," Lincon nodded, satisfied with himself.
Valsas' face replaced Lincons'. "From District Six, sixth female Valsa Gates scores… five," Valsa started to cry, as Lincon gave her a hug.
Chassis' face replaced Valsas'. "From District Six, seventh male Chassis Delegarza scores…eleven," Chassis gulped nervously.
Nuvis' face replaced Chassis'. "From District Six, seventh female Nuvi Kipponal scores… twelve," Nuvi smiled slightly, happy with this score.
Cylinders' face replaced Nuvis'. "From District Six, eighth male Cylinder Musto scores… twenty-two," Cylinder grinned happily, leaning forwards to high-five Buster.
Mitts' face replaced Cylinders'. "From District Six, eighth female Mitt Vires scores… fifteen," Mitt just stared blankly at the tv, not reacting in any way.
Slantens' face replaced Mitts'. "From District Six, ninth male Slanten Bowen scores… one," Slanten burst into tears. Werntius cringed slightly.
Madelines' face replaced Slantens'. "From District Six, ninth female Madeline Wompanog scores… thirteen," Madeline smiled slightly, before comforting Slanten.
Texas' face replaced Madelines'. "From District Six, tenth male Texas McNickle scores… thirteen," Texas drummed his fingers on the arm of the sofa.
Porches' face replaced Texas'. "From District Six, tenth female Porche Monroe scores… Twenty-one," She smiled, before reaching over and squeezing Valsas' shoulder.
Charlies' face replaced Porches'. "From District Six, eleventh male Charlie Kemper scores… fourteen," Charlie nodded happily.
Lexis' face replaced Charlies'. "From District Six, eleventh female scores… sixteen," Lexi winced slightly, while her allies clapped.
Arizonas' face replaced Lexis'. "From District Six, twelfth male Arizona Gershwin scores… seven," Arizona looked down sadly.
Guegas' face replaced Arizonas'. "From District Six, twelfth female Guega Rosewell scores… eighteen." "Yes!" she shouted happily.
Ryders' face replaced Guegas'. "From District Six, thirteenth male Ryder Hasslett scores… two," Ryder ran out of the room to the lift in tears. Swansea stood up and went after him.
Izzys' face replaced Ryders'. "From District Six, thirteenth female Izzy Arduini scores… Twenty-four!" Izzy stared shocked at the screen while everyone clapped. Twenty-four was very hard to get.
Bentlys' face replaced Izzys'. "From District Six, fourteenth male Bently Keller scores… fifteen." Bently nodded, but I could see he was slightly annoyed.
Zoeys' face replaced Bentlys'. "From District Six, fourteenth female Zoey Maurios scores… seventeen." Zoey smiled, and was high-fived by Bently, her ally.
Nelsons' face replaced Zoeys'. "From District Six, fifteenth male Nelson Callow scores… six." Nelson sniffled slightly, as Porche stood up, and went to him.
Colmas' face replaced Nelsons'. "From District Six, fifteenth female Colma Klasson scores… fifteen." Cloma smirked, the leant backwards.
Jasons' face replaced Colmas'. "From District Six, sixteenth male Jason Faye scores… eleven." Jason showed no reaction.
Azaleas' face replaced Jasons'. "From District Six, sixteenth female Azalea Torrac scores… twelve." Axelle sucked on her lip, shaking slightly from withdrawal.
Fords' face replaced Azaleas'. Ford started to spin a pen around his fingers. "From District Six, seventeenth male Ford Marinez scores… eleven." Ford spun the pen faster.
Damlas' face replaced Fords'. "From District Six, seventeenth female Damla Supple scores… fifteen," Damla took a just ran a hand through her hair.
Apollos' face replaced Damlas'. "From District Six, eighteenth male Apollo Ritter scores… seventeen," Lincon, Chevy and Chassis clapped as Apollo breathed a sigh of relief.
Mandrias' face replaced Apollos'. "From District Six, eighteenth female Mandria Lombrossa scores… thirteen," Mandrai smiled as her allies clapped.
Saturns' face replaced Mandrias'. "From District Six, nineteenth male Saturn Tulin scores… twenty-four!" Saturn stood up, cheering happily. His allies all applauded, and Izzy hugged him.
Ravens' face replaced Saturns'. "From District Six, nineteenth female Raven Harper scores… fifteen," Raven leant over and high-fived Ford.
Paxtons' face replaced Ravens'. "From District Six, twentieth male Paxton Nirae scores… twelve," Paxton sucked on his lip, slightly annoyed.
Hollys' face replaced Paxtons'. "From District Six, twentieth female Holly Abe scores… twenty-two," Holly grinned happily, as Keith patted her shoulder.
Keiths' face replaced Hollys', as he sat up slightly. "From District Six, twenty-first male Keith Harlod score… Twenty-One," Holly patted Keiths shoulder as he sighed quietly.
Ariels' face replaced Keiths'. "From District Six, twenty-first female Ariel Dupioni scores… nineteen," Ariel nodded happily.
Dashers' face replaced Ariels'. "From District Six, twenty-second male Dasher Fran scores… fourteen," He was obviously shocked, as were his allies.
Maddisons' face replaced Dashers'. "From District Six, twenty-second female Maddison Greytrap scores… Two," Maddison looked down sadly.
Jacobis' face replaced Maddisons'. "From District Six, twenty-third male Jacobi Inlobe scores… nineteen," Jacobi fist pumped the air.
Bonnets' face replaced Jacobis'. "From District Six, twenty-third female Bonnet D'Ambrose scores… seven," Bonnet scratched her ear as she looked deep in thought.
Tanks' face replaced Bonnets'. "From District Six, Twenty-fourth male Tank Leyce scores… seventeen," Tank smiled slightly, satisfied.
Kentuckys' face replaced Tanks'. Santiago leant forward and tensed. "Finally, from District Six, twenty-fourth female Kentucky Basquet scores… twenty," Santiago sighed in relief and Kentucky smiled.
"There we are. All forty-eight tributes from District Six have received their scores. We will now take a five minute break before the announcement of the scores of the tributes from District Thirteen. See you then," said Sphinx, before the screen cut to commercials.
I looked at my fellow mentors. Swansea and Ryder had returned about a minute ago. "Well that was not the worst," muttered Werntius.
"Having two twenty-fours is very good," I replied. "Even One, Two and Four struggle to get twenty-four."
"Yeah, but then we have a one and two twos, both are also very rare," replied Swansea. "It is a mandatory viewing, so all TVs in the building were showing it," she said at my questioning look.
"How do you think Thirteen will do?" Asked Kentucky, leaning over the back of her seat. Tank turned around as did their stylist, Isolde Veri. I liked her, as she had been my stylist. That had been her first year, and she had stayed with us ever since. That is why I specifically asked her to be assigned to Kentucky. She had done her usual weird but popular costume this year, with red taxis.
"Well, there are a few Careers like David, Queenie, Julia and Polly. Then there is Nuclear. From what Niler has told me, he is a little psychotic. Apparently, his hero is Enobarbus Orums, Victor of the Seventh Games." Swansea winced.
Tank looked at me oddly. "I am guessing he was not a good person," he said quietly.
"That's putting it lightly," replied Swansea. "Enobarbus was the first ever Career. He took pride in brutally killing one person from each of the twelve Districts, including his own District partner. Afterwards, he started the process of selling Victors to the highest bidder. He forced all female Victors to sleep with him until he died around the seventy-eighth Hunger Games. He abused thirty-six out of the thirty-nine female Victors that there were when he was alive. The only three to not be hurt were Syren, Johanna and Annie. Syren and Annie due to their fragile mental state and Johanna because she refused. Though her entire family was then killed. So yeah, he is evil, and one of the most hated Victors ever."
I saw Tanks eyes go wide. "Don't worry," I said. "The Victor Prostitution Circle is long gone. It ended around the Eight-Hundred-and-Fourteenth Games, when there was finally a President who opposed it. It was put into law that it was illegal to force Victors into it. Only Victors who consent to it can are in the circle. None of us three are, but I know a few Victors, especially from One and Two, are in it."
The music restarted, and the screen lit up. We all turned back to the screen, ready to watch the District Thirteen tributes get their scores.
Niler Osk, Victor of the Nine-Hundred-and-Seventy-Second Hunger Games, 46
District Thirteen resident and mentor
I sighed, and swirled the wine around my glass as we waited for the scores to restart. The results from District Six were surprising. Two twenty-fours were shocking, as was the one. I was worried how our tributes would score. Nuclear would do well, but we had already told David and the other Careers to kill him quickly, but after the Bloodbath. The reason for that is to take advantage of his bloodlust at the beginning, but stop him before he turns on his allies. I knew Saturn and Izzy would be a challenge to beat, but I had faith in our tributes.
I looked to my left at Winter. He was staring off into space, obviously in a world of his own. To my left, Phaedra was on his holophone, ignoring the tributes. I grit my teeth, but stayed silent. I hated how he didn't care. The Games were important to everyone. Phaedra however seemed to not care about them at all. His job today was to help us in coaching the tributes in how to act during their interviews. However, he was nowhere to be seen. I had bumped into Crick while getting some fresh air, and he had told me that Phaedra had been in a bar, drinking with his friends and belittling the tributes.
I shook my head as the programme started again. Sphinx appeared on the screen again. "Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. We will now go on to the scores of the District Thirteen tributes."
Graphites' face appeared on the screen. "From District Thirteen, first male Graphite Gronmack scores… sixteen," Graphite smiled happily.
Sophias' face replace Graphites'. "From District Thirteen, first female Sophia Huwgan scores… sixteen," Sophia sighed, as Waverly gave her a thumbs up.
Ernies' face replaced Spohias'. "From District Thirteen, second male Ernie Koplonkitana scores… eleven." Ernie nodded, as Queenie clapped him on the shoulder.
Queenies' face replaced Ernies'. "From District Thirteen, second female Queenie Silver scores… twenty-three." Queenie celebrated while David gave her a hug.
Mikes' face replaced Queenies'. "From District Thirteen, third male Mike Bleck scores… fifteen." Mikes' allies cheered while he nodded happily.
Celestinas' face replaced Mikes'. "From District Thirteen, third female Celestina Naoma scores… thirteen." Celestina nodded, while her allies clapped.
Birdies' face replaced Celestinas'. "From District Thirteen, fourth male Birdie Vice scores… fifteen." Birdie smiled and held Kessies' hand.
Kessies' face replaced Birdies'. "From District Thirteen, fourth female Kessie Coin scores… fourteen." Kessie smiled, and kissed Birdie on the cheek.
Davids' face replaced Kessies'. "From District Thirteen, fifth male David Catamonga scores… twenty-two." David swore. "Damn, now Saturn will probably lead." I heard him mutter. Thankfully, Nuclear was too focused on the scores to hear.
Willas' face replaced Davids'. "From District Thirteen, fifth female Willa Harknow scores… sixteen." Willa stared at the screen in shock, as the rest of the tribute applauded. David gave her a hug.
Miles' face replace Willas'. "From District Thirteen, sixth male Miles Jabneck scores… Twenty-three." Miles smiled, as Willa smiled up at him.
Poilkams' face replaced Miles'. "From District Thirteen, sixth female Poilkam Hashe scores… six." Poilkam looked down sadly.
Harlows' face replaced Poilkams'. "From District Thirteen, seventh male Harlow Pastmake scores… thirteen." Harlow shrugged, not massively satisfied, but not unsatisfied.
Laurels' face replaced Harlows'. "From District Thirteen, seventh female Laurel Fox scores… sixteen." Laurel smiled, satisfied with herself.
Tonis' face replaced Laurels'. "From District Thirteen, eighth male Toni Osk scores… sixteen." Toni smiled, and breathed a sigh of relief.
Embers' face replaced Tonis'. "From District Thirteen, eighth female Ember Jackross scores… fourteen." Ember nodded, and Toni high fived her.
Nuclears' face replaced Embers'. Nuclear giggled with glee. "From District Thirteen, ninth male Nuclear Dronestop scores… Twenty-four!" Nuclear roared triumphantly, beating his chest.
Claras' face replaced Nuclears'. "From District Thirteen, ninth female Clara Fripmin scores… eight." Clara cringed slightly as Nuclear laughed.
Lukes' face replaced Claras'. "From District Thirteen, tenth male Luke Glowfree scores… fifteen." Luke smiles as his allies clap and whoop.
Delias' face replaced Lukes'. "From District Thirteen, tenth female Delia Westshack scores… fourteen." Delia smiled, and ran her tongue over her lips.
Callistos' face replaced Delias'. "From District Thirteen, eleventh male Callisto Hipmons scores… fourteen." Callisto shook his head, a little annoyed.
Paulines' face replaced Callistos'. "From District Thirteen, eleventh female Pauline Bromal scores… five." Pauline looked down, sadly
Elijahs' face replaced Paulines'. "From District Thirteen, twelfth male Elijah Koplins scores… fifteen." Elijah nodded, satisfied.
Bellamys' face replaced Elijahs'. "From District Thirteen, twelfth female Bellamy Krenka scores… eight." Bellamy shows no observable reaction.
Philips' face replaced Bellamys'. "From District Thirteen, thirteenth male Philip Freshban scores… sixteen." Philip winced, but his allies still applauded.
Trinitys' face replaced Philips'. "From District Thirteen, thirteenth female Trinity Tormo scores… six." Trinity sniffled slightly, as Philip put an arm around her.
Lupus' face replaced Trinitys'. "From District Thirteen, fourteenth male Lupus Canmen scores… seven." Lupus sighed, and leant back.
Ivys' face replaced Lupus'. "From District Thirteen, fourteenth female Ivy Symmonds scores… fifteen." Ivy just stared at the screen, breathing deeply.
Victors' face replaced Ivys'. "From District Thirteen, fifteenth male Victor Flowndres scores… fourteen." Victor bit his lip.
Taliahs' face replaced Victors'. "From District Thirteen, fifteenth female Taliah Napomsa scores… thirteen." Taliah nodded happily.
Fissions' face replaced Taliahs'. "From District Thirteen, sixteenth male Fission Wretilp scores… eighteen." Fission fist pumped the air, as the rest of the anti-careers clapped.
Almas' face replaced Fissions'. "From District Thirteen, sixteenth female Alma Itocia scores… five." Alma started crying quietly.
Ezras' face replaced Almas'. "From District Thirteen, seventeenth male Ezra Collins scores… thirteen." Ezra let out a breath slowly.
Waverlys' face replaced Ezras'. "From District Thirteen, seventeenth female Waverly Bonncas scores… nine." Waverly sighed and looked down.
Percys' face replaced Waverlys'. "From District Thirteen, eighteenth male Percy Lizbeth scores… twenty." Percy grinned, and Namora hugged him.
Namoras' face replaced Percys'. "From District Thirteen, eighteenth female Namora Jadrin scores… fifteen." Namora smiled, and Percy kissed her head.
Lucians' face replaced Namoras'. "From District Thirteen, nineteenth male Lucian Raindrop scores… six." Tears started streaming down Lucians' face
Emilys' face replaced Lucians'. "From District Thirteen, nineteenth female Emily Olpis scores… fourteen." Emily gave a small smile.
Hugos' face replaced Emilys'. "From District Thirteen, twentieth male Hugo Backdew scores… nineteen." Hugo smiled as the careers glared at him. Hugo just flipped them off.
Ximops' face replaced Hugos'. "From District Thirteen, twentieth female Ximop Newstar scores… seventeen." Ximop smiled and let Remus clap her on the back.
Martins' face replaced Ximops'. "From District Thirteen, twenty-first male Martin Ernicle scores… seventeen." Martin nodded happily.
Julias' face replaced Martins'. "From District Thirteen, twenty-first female Julia Fredras scores… twenty-one." Julia cheered with pride.
Eastons' face replaced Julias'. "From District Thirteen, twenty-second male Easton Nards scores… Twenty-three." Easton laughed in shock.
Catherines' face replaced Eastons'. "From District Thirteen, twenty-second female Catherine Kolpon scores… fourteen." Catherines' eyes widened and she nodded happily.
Remus' face replaced Catherines'. "From District Thirteen, twenty-third male Remus Turpin scores… twenty-one." Remus grinned, proud with himself.
Terras' face replaced Remus'. "From District Thirteen, twenty-third female Terra Vikrash scores… twenty." Terra smiled, and high-fived Remus.
Hadrians' face replaced Terras'. "From District Thirteen, twenty-fourth and final male Hadrian Westlove scores… eighteen." Hadrian smiled and cracked his knuckles,
Pollys' face replaced Hadrians'. "And finally, from District Thirteen, twenty-fourth and final female Polly Greenway scores… nineteen." Polly smiled, but I could tell she was slightly annoyed.
"Thank you for tuning in to the scores of our first ninety-six tributes. Remember, twenty-four of these tributes will live to have another training score. Tune in later for the interviews, before the Hunger Games starts tomorrow! Good night, and may the odds be ever in your favour!" Shouted Sphinx, before the screen cut to black.
I sighed. We managed to get three twenty-threes which was great. But Nuclears' twenty-four was a little worrying. His bloodlust has been getting worse and worse since we arrived in the Capitol. He was quite eager for the Games. It was hard to root for him, and for him to not die. Mentors really don't root against people, as if you're not the Victor, you're dead. So, if you root against someone, you are hoping they will die.
I shook myself out of my little world, and focused on the tributes. "OK all of you!" I called. "We are now going to head to the Ravinstill Grand Theatre now. Can you all please stand up, and head to the front of the building."
"Once we get to the Theatre, your stylists will help you put on your outfits for the interviews," said Winter. All the tributes stood up and made a line at the door. I went outside, and saw the twenty-five limos waiting there. Winter and I then let the tributes out in order of their pairs, with their stylist and prep teams going with them. It would be a little cramped with nine people in the limos, but they could manage. Once all twenty-four pairs were off, Winter, Phaedra and I got into the final limo, and we left. During the journey, Winter and I sat together talking about the scores and our thoughts on them. Phaedra kept trying to butt in, but we just ignoring him the entire time. Eventually, he got bored, and just starting to talk to his friend on his holophone.
Eventually, we got to the Theatre. Winter and I were not allowed to backstage, we had to our seats. Phaedra was allowed back, but neither of us had any confidence in his ability to tell the tributes anything useful. After a brief talk with the other Victors there, there were about , the lights went down, and Sphinx Flickerman came out onto the stage.
Sphinx Flickerman, 39
Capitol Resident and Hunger Games co-host
I was ready for the interviews to begin. I was determined to make these interviews amazing, to mirror the amazingness of these Hunger Games. At least, that is what I told everyone backstage. In reality, I thought that these Games were a bit too cruel. There had been pretty much no rebellion in the last four-hundred odd years, so to have a crushing Games like this was a bit overkill in humble opinion. Not that I would tell anyone that. The Districts were no longer looking to overthrow the Capitol, and the days of starving twelve year olds dying in the Games were long gone. But still, killing over one-thousand children still rubbed me the wrong way. However, I could not dwell on that, the interviews were about to begin, and I was hoping to make every tribute get at least some fans. However, I knew it would be hard, as with ninety-six tributes, some of them were bound to be the same.
I was distracted from my brooding by the music starting. I shook myself slightly, plastered my bright smile on my face, and walked out onto the stage, waving at the cheering crowd.
"Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, to the first round of interviews of the One-Thousandth Hunger Games, the Fortieth Quarter Quell!" I shouted. The applause was deafening. "Now then, let the interviews begin!"
Chelsea was first out. She decided to talk about her love of nature. She told us about a trip she took with her parents into a forest, and seeing all the wildlife there. It was interesting to to some people, but I know others were not interested.
Next was Buster. We talked about his score and what he did to get it. He played the usual mysterious person, not revealing what he was skilled out, and promising that he would show his skills in the Arena with the rest of the Careers.
Mercedes was next. She spent most of her interview shaking like a leaf. It was obvious that she had massive stage fright. I tried to feed her some jokes, but she was just too scared to do really anything. I just spent the last minute talking to the audience.
Railson was next, and just like his pair partner, Railson was too scared to do much of anything. However, he saved himself near the end, by managing to talk about his five-year-old cousin, and how he loved trucks. This got a few chuckles from the parents in the audience, but not much.
Severa was next. She talked about her workplace accident that cut off her arm. It had happed when someone pushed off a walkway, and she fell into machinery. Thankfully, the safety measures made it stop before Servera was killed, but it did not save her arm.
Chevy talked about him and his allies. They apparently planned to get some supply bags, and run from the Cornucopia. Him and his allies each have a weapon and survival skill they have learned to increase their chances of survival.
Cowl also focused on her alliance with Percy, Namora, Mitt and Bellamy. She talked about how their aim was to protect Namora and hopefully let her survive this round, as then she can safely have her child before round 2 starts.
Rivet was the first solo person so far. She said that she was still going to use her strategy she would have used if she was reaped a different year, which was to remain solo so she can move faster and quieter and also have a lower chance of leaving behind evidence of where she had been.
Axelle was next. She spent her interview talking about her sister, Molly, who she volunteered for. She talked about her little niece who was on the way. Her mentioning that her niece will be named after her made the audience coo.
Crystaler was next. He was wearing an outfit that showed of most of his body, making the ladies into the audience scream. He talked about his passions at home, which consisted of piano playing and running.
Valsa was next out. She easily got sympathy from the audience for being eleven. She was shy, but not overly shy. She was easily seen as cute and innocent. However, she did reveal that she had a secret up her sleeve, and promised to show it, if she got past the Bloodbath.
Lincon was next out. He stayed strong and silent during his interview. However, he turned it up too much. He was too strong and too silent. It did not go over well with the audience.
Nuvi came out next. She was another girl who just cried, but thankfully in the last minute she managed to get herself back together, and talk about Porche and how she had vowed to protect the youngest tributes.
Chassis was next out. He spent his interview talking about the difference between his life in the District and what he has seen in the Capitol. However, he then went on to criticise the Capitol, which got him booed off the stage. I had a feeling about what was going to happen to him,
Mitt was next out. She was a little slow in answering questions, and stared into space a lot. She was not seen as the best from the audiences point of view, but I had an odd feeling about her, like she was hiding something important.
Cylinder was out next, the second Career. He talked about the Anti-careers and how he vowed to kill two of them himself, selecting Remus and Terra specifically to target. This got the crowd eager to see the rivalry and blood.
Madeline spent her interview talking about how some of the Careers, like Buster, Nuclear and Polly, had spent their time in the training centre bullying the youngest tributes. While this was seen as funny in the first century, that was not really the way it was done now. It shocked the audience.
Slanten was next out. He just cried throughout his entire interview, not giving me anything to work with. Another cannon fodder. However, with ninety-six tributes, there were bound to be some useless tributes.
Porche was next out. She talked about how she had got a large group of the youngest tributes together in an alliance. She vowed to protect them, and get as many through the Games as possible. She also revealed she asked a male tribute from Thirteen to join the alliance. He would reveal his decision in his interview.
Texas was out next. He talked about his girlfriend at home, and how if he won, he was going to propose to her, as they would both be sixteen by then and had been together since being eleven.
Lexi was out next. She talked about how she thought the benefit of survival skills is still routinely ignored by Careers. However, it was less obvious now as there were so many Careers. She pointed to the Careers from the Nine-Hundred-and-Ninety-Second Games, some of whom died due to infections
Charlie was next out. He talked about his passion of baking, and about the bakery his parents owned that he worked in at the weekends. He loved it, and promised to open a bakery in the Capitol if he won.
Guega was next out. She talked about her score of eighteen and how she got it. She apparently used an axe and showed how to tie many knots with a rope, and how to use it as a whip.
Arizona was next out. For the first minute, he barely talked. However, after that he started talking with passion about his hoverball team and how he was the goalkeeper for it. They had won the District Championship last year.
Izzy was out next. She received a massive applause as she was the first tribute this year with a score of twenty-four. She talked about her time in training. She talked about her use of the sword and bow, and getting the fastest time on the obstacle course.
Ryder was next out. He stuttered throughout his interview, with obvious stage fright. The audience largely ignored him, due to him getting a two. He hardly helped himself as he ignored my questions, and just sniffled the entire time.
Zoey was out next. She was a little quiet, but spoke cleverly. She spoke about her strategy for the games, which was to fight with her cousin all the way, and if needs be sacrifice herself to save him.
Bentley was out next. He expressed his shock that his cousin would want to die for him, and said that he was planning to do the same if it came down to it. He then talked quickly about how his life was back in District Six.
Colma was out next. She decided to talk about how she got her score. She told how she used a hand-axe and a dagger to tear apart dummies. I had a feeling that she was lying, but decided to say nothing. Let people be surprised.
Nelson was out next. He did not do much. His cheeks were stained with tears, but he was not actively crying. However, he did not say anything during the interview, and just stared into space. I just ignored him after one minute.
Azalea was out next. She spent her time muttering to herself, and scratching her arms. Everyone knew that she was a morphling addict, and was suffering severely from withdrawal. She could not form a coherent sentence.
Jason was out next. When he came onto the stage, multiple women in the audience screamed, as they adored Jason and how good he looked. He smiled at the audience, and said that, if he won, he would thank everyone who helped him directly.
Damla was out next. She talked about her boyfriend, and how was in hospital after a bad car crash. She was planning to volunteer, but her name was called so she didn't have to. She was aiming to win to get money to help him.
Ford was out next. He talked about his life back in Six. He was an only child, but that was really all that I remembered about what he said, as he was not that interesting. This was going to be hard to pretend to care about them all.
Mandrai was out next. She talked about her boyfriend back in District Six, and how she hoped to marry him when she won the Games. This confidence did earn her a good applause, but I could tell that some of the audience were more focused on her revealing outfit.
Apollo was out next. Getting a score of seventeen as a fifteen-year-old was something that the audience were impressed, as the usual thing was if you scored higher than your age, you were a good tribute. He talked about his alliance though, and not his score.
Raven was out next. She mentioned her alliance with Ford, which shocked a few people as they did not think Ford was a good idea for a partner, but Raven just smiled slyly and told us to wait and see.
Saturn was out next. As the other person to score twenty-four, he was met with massive applause. He smiled, and ripped off his top to show of his muscles before spending his interview talking about himself. To me, he was a little arrogant, but the audience loved him.
Holly was out next. She had a little difficulty coming after Saturn, but still managed to make a good impression. She talked about he skills with the katana and whip, but there was one weapon she loved, that she had not shown the Gamemakers and was looking forward to using.
Paxton was out next. He was a little scared, however when I made one joke to lighten the mood, he smiled. He spent the rest of his interview making the audience howl with laughter. He was a natural comedian, and had a chance to survive round one on that alone.
Ariel was out next. She played the part of a awestruck girl, proclaiming about how amazing the Capitol was in comparison to District Six. She also talked about the food, and how different it was to the food she was used to.
Keith was out next. He talked about how he didn't like Philip from Thirteen. Apparently, he had stolen Keiths' sword when he went to the bathroom. Philip denied it, but Keith insisted it had been Philip and vowed to kill him.
Maddison was out next. She didn't talk very loudly. If I had to guess, I think she was embarrassed by how low she had scored. Only scoring a two was not a good thing. She barely engaged in the conversation.
Dasher was out next. He received quite a good applause due to his score of fourteen as a twelve-year-old. However, he was sallow-skinned and quite sluggish during the interview, slurring his speech. I was confused on how someone like this scored a fourteen.
Bonnet was out next. She played the coy, shy young girl quite well. Biting her lip nervously and hiding her face behind her hair. She answered my questions softly, but politely. When her time was up, she shyly waved goodbye.
Jacobi was out next. He was the last Career from District Six. He spent his time being the 'tough but sweet' guy. He talked about his youngest sister, who was born last year. He shared many stories about how cute she was.
Kentucky was out next. Kentucky talked about her life ion the Victors' Village. She saw Chevy as a great-grandparent, Eugene as a grandparent and Swansea as a older sister. She loved them all, and had had private training with each one.
Tank was the last out for District Six. He talked about how he considered joining the anti-careers, but had decided against it. He stated that even though more people would survive this Games, in the end, only one could win, so best not to make friends.
"Thank you Tank. And that Ladies and Gentlemen, is District Six interviewed. We will now take a ten minute break, and when we come back, we will talk to the tribute from District Thirteen! Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favour!"
I sighed and took a drink of water. Forty-eight tributes down, forty-eight to go. I walked to the edge of the stage, and stepped down towards the Victors. There I walked over to Gilda Pinho, the girl from District Twenty who won the Nine-Hundredth-and-Seventy-Seventh Hunger Games at age seventeen. She had used her spear to kill seven people on her way to Victory. She also happened to be my wife. "Hey angel. How are you?" I asked as a walked over and sat down in front of her. She smiled back, and shrugged. She had recently developed a sore throat, so she could barely speak. I held her hand for a moment, and squeezed it. Carmen, the Victor of the Nine-Hundred-and-Sixty-Sixth Hunger Games also from District Twenty, was sitting next to Gilda, and smiled at us.
"You two are so bloody cute together," he said. "My daughter missed you Sphinx."
I smiled. Francesca, Carmen twenty-seven year old daughter, was severely autistic. She was one of the sweetest people I had ever met, and loved my hair. When I was in Twenty, which was often as I lived with Gilda in the Victors' Village, I regularly performed magic tricks for her. I had been in the Capitol for the Victory Tour, and had been here since. I wasn't going to get to leave until after the Victor had been announced, which was a few months from now.
"I'll call her later, won't be able to see her for a while," I said, before being called back up to the stage. I gave Gilda a quick kiss, before heading back up. I was counted in by a stage hand, before starting again.
"And welcome back everyone, to the interviews for the first game in the first round of the One-Thousandth Hunger-Games, the Fortieth-Quarter-Quell. Now, we have the forty-eight tributes from District Thirteen. So, can we please welcome… Sophia"!
Sophia walked out first. Sophia was just another regular interview. She talked about her family, specifically how older brother, who she was closest with. She also mentioned her brothers girlfriend, who she also liked a lot.
Graphite was out next. He played the strong and silent role. It did work, but as he was obviously not the strongest tribute in this Games crop, it was not the best fit for him. Still, he had a few admirers in the Capitol.
Queenie was out next. She waved to the audience, dressed in a blue dress that suited her perfectly. She spoke of her time in the Academy in District Thirteen, and how the lessons Bethany. Winter and Niler had all taught her had made her the person she was now.
Ernie was out next. He talked about his friend group. It was made of four people, including him. They were Busker, Nilp and Westerk. Together, they played pranks on their parents and teachers. He hoped to get back to them, and do more pranks.
Celestina was out next. She was a little nervous, but talked about her allies. She was with a group of girls called the Girl Gang, no shocks there. They seemed to have a good idea on what to do, but time would tell.
Mike was out next. He talked about the training he had at the academy, but how he decided to not ally himself with neither the Career not Anti-Careers, but with his cousin and neighbours. He stated he trusted them more than the Careers. They had invited a few District Six tributes as well.
Kessie was out next. She talked about her and Birdies first date. They went to a small café in the District centre. She described their date, and talked about how much she liked it, and how it made he feel special. The audience loved it.
Birdie was out next. He continued talking about him and Kessie. He talked about their other dates, including a walk around a lake in the District, a picnic in a park and a sleepover while watching the Victory Tour.
Willa was out next. She played the typical small innocent girl act. While it was successful, Valsa had done a much better job at it. She also had a wrenched ankle, so that made her even less likely to live, so less interesting.
David was out next. He was wearing only a pair of shorts, and they were quite tight. He talked about his plan for using his sword in the arena. He also talked about Willa, and how she reminded him of his sister.
Poilkam was out next. She spent her interview whining about her injury, and how no one would help her with her crutches. She said that someone should have volunteered in her place, as why should she be in the arena with crutches. It wasn't fair.
Miles was out next. He said that he had joined Porche from District Six in her alliance. They were the only two strong ones, as everyone else was twelve or thirteen. They had decided to get as many of them as possible through this round.
Laurel was out next. She talked about her parents company. They had a small baking company in her town that she worked for, that was quite popular. Niler, who had lived there before he won, regularly went there to buy baked goods from them.
Harlow was out next. He tried to put a comedic flair to his interview, but his jokes were terrible. Try as I might, I could not get him to stop saying his awful jokes, so I let him carry on. It would come back to bite him on the arse later.
Ember was out next. She talked about her friendship with her floor partner Toni. However, they had decided against allying as they had been good friends for years, and could not bear the thought of killing each other.
Toni was out next. Toni talked about how he and Ember became friends. He also revealed that he had a crush on her, and had told her so. However, she was lesbian, so while she liked Toni, it was just in a platonic way.
Clara was out next. She talked about how she had barely slept in the Capitol due to Nuclear. She did not feel safe being near him, as he freaked her out. She said how Nuclear had broke into her room last night, and had just stood in the corner, staring at her.
Nuclear was out next. He spent his entire interview giggling to himself and promising to kill various tributes in vicious ways. I had heard through the grapevine that Nuclear was a little psychotic, so I was slightly nervous interviewing him.
Delia was out next. She talked about her boyfriend, Felix. He had a year older than her, and was currently in hospital. Five weeks ago a group of boys had ambushed them, and try to hurt her. Felix had fought them off, getting badly injured in the process.
Luke was out next. His interview revolved around his dreams of the future. He planned to ask a girl out when he got back, as he had had a crush on her for a few weeks. He was nervous obviously, as he was only twelve, but he had confidence.
Pauline was out next. She cried throughout her entire interviews. She was the second youngest tribute in the games, only slightly older then Valsa. But at least she had talked. Pauline just cried and cried.
Callisto was out next. He spent his interview talking about how much he was enamoured by the Capitol, and how it was so much better than he expected. He loved everything from the food to the fashion and the people.
Bellamy was out next. She talked about her alliance, and how they had recruited a few others into the alliance, but did not intend to reveal who until they were in the arena. No matter how much I pressed, all Bellamy did was smirk at me.
Elijah was out next. We ended up talking about our lives, sharing the highs and lows of out life. He wanted to go to one of the few universities in District Thirteen, and study medicine, becoming one of the Doctors allowed in each District.
Trinity was out next. She talked about the movie he had been in a few years ago. The movie was called 'Boom'. It was about an orphaned Capitol child, who gets away from a Capitol gang, and goes to Thirteen, where he helps make bombs to destroy the gang that killed his parents.
Philip was out next. He talked about his work in the graphite mines, from which he had gained skills in the pickaxe. He also used the spear and katana in the private sessions to earn his score of sixteen.
Ivy was out next. She played the role of a sexy young girl. She wore quite a revealing outfit, and talked about how all the boys in her school wanted to date her. However, she had refused all their advances, as she had her eyes set on one boy in particular, who she did not name.
Lupus was out next. He talked about his life. Both of his parents were unfit to work, so he had been working since he was eight. He was a apprentice in the local jeweller. It was the only jeweller in the District, and he earned decent money working there.
Taliah was out next. She talks about how she is the best soccer player in the District. Every team she had been on, because she had to change a few times due to moving house, had gone on to win the championship because of her. I did not believe it, but the audience seemed to.
Victor was out next. He was quiet and unassuming during is interview. While he did answer my questions, he did not speak very loud, and the replies he did give were basic and boring. I was eager for this interview to end.
Alma was out next. She was nervous, but did answer my questions. She mainly talked about her big family. She had nine siblings, five older, four younger. She had six brothers and three sisters. She also had over twenty cousins, and her eldest sister had a child herself.
Fission was out next. He decided to talk about his training score. He had earned his score of eighteen by using his sword and axe. He said he was considering showing he could use another weapon, but wanted to save it for the arena.
Waverly was out next. She talked about how one of her favourite thing to do in District Thirteen. She loved playing hide and seek with her friends. She was almost always the last caught, as she was great at hiding.
Ezra was out next. He talked about his boyfriend. They had met three years ago at the reaping for the Nine-Hundred-and-Ninety-Seventh, and had gone out to lunch afterwards. They had been dating since.
Namora was out next. She talked about the moment she discovered she was pregnant. It had shocked her, but she was excited beyond belief. She was now nervous. She asked people to sponsor her, so she could survive round one at least, because she could give birth before Round Two started.
Percy was out next. He talked about how they had revealed the pregnancy to their family. Namora had shocked him. After a week just talking about it, they ended up telling Namoras' family. Percy had been just about to move into her familys' house so he could help with the baby.
Emily was out next. He talked about her pairing with Damla. She did not have a reason to aim to get back, as she was an orphan with no family, so had decided to help the person she liked best get home, which was Damla.
Lucian was out next. He talked about his aim for the arena. He was another tribute in the alliance of children. He was going to hide with them, and help them live by being able to build and light fires.
Ximop was out next. She decided to focus on how she had trained. She had attended the Academy. She had actually been awarded the scholarship for her age group. She attended the Academy, but had never wanted to join the Careers. She had always aimed to be an Anti-Career.
Hugo was out next. I asked him why he was solo, and not with the Careers or the Anti-Careers. He said that he never worked well in a team, and always did everything solo. He just did not like other people.
Julia was out next. She chatted amicably with me. Like my conversation with Lupus, we just talked about our lives. She talked about how she always struggled with academics, never being able to remembers numbers and words. She was much better at the Academy.
Martin was out next. He talked about how he was hoping to find an ally in the arena. He said he regretted not allying with someone beforehand, and hoped that, while in the arena, he could find someone to ally himself with.
Catherine was out next. She talked about how her score shocked her. She didn't think she did enough to earn a fourteen. She had been expecting a eleven to twelve. I cringed inwardly at this, as it was not a good idea to talk about. Made you look weak.
Easton was out next. He received quite a big applause from the audience for earning a twenty-three. Eaton talked about a girl he had a crush on back home, and how he hoped to get back to ask her out.
Terra was out next. She talked about Cyliders' desire to kill her and Remus, and told him to "bring it on". She promised to survive Cylinders attack, and kill him first. The audience cheered wildly, eating this rivalry up.
Remus was out next. He jokingly had a go at Terra for stealing his angle for the interviews. He was going to play into the rivalry that Cylinder had started. However, he did say that Cylinders' confidence would be the end of him, as he could not take two Anti-Careers on by himself.
Polly was out next. When I asked, she said she had not bullied anyone, and that Maddison had made it up. She promised to kill her for that. She also talked about how she had hoped for a better training score, but was still happy with a nineteen.
Hadrian was out last. He talked about sharing a floor with a Career. He was an Anti-Career, and hated the fact that he had to share a floor with a Career. Polly and Hadrian had built up a small rivalry, and Hadrian promised to kill Polly.
"Thank you all for tuning in to the first set of interviews of the One-Thousandth Hunger Games, the Fortieth Quarter Quell. Tomorrow, the arena will be revealed, and the Hunger Games will start. Tonight is the final night to get your bets in as to who will survive the Bloodbath. Please give a warm round of applause to our ninety-six tributes. I have been your host, Sphinx Flickerman. Thank you, and Goodnight!"
The audience applauded for a few more seconds, before the cameras cut. I waved as the audience finished their applause and left the building. Then, I walked over to Gilda, and wrapped my arms around her. After a minute of just being in each other's arms, we headed back home.
POV: Mimosa Seathorne, 31
Capitol Resident and Head Gamemaker for 6v13
I watched the end of the interviews on my screen in the Games Room. My Gamemakers were all scurrying around me, getting everything ready for tomorrow. The pile of loot that would be at the Cornucopia was in the room next to me. I went into it, and looked around. There were enough weapons for each tribute to have three. Those tributes who showed weapon skill in their sessions had their preferred weapon in the pile. Those who didn't, where given random weapons. There were also oddball ones like tridents and shogis. I went back to the main room, and looked at the Arena. I hoped that it would be a fan favourite. It was larger than most Arenas, but was quite a bit smaller than the largest Arena ever, the Arena for the Nine-Hundredth Hunger Games. There had been two hundred and eighty eight tributes in that arena, and it was over one hundred kilometres wide. My one was quite a bit small, at fifty kilometres wide. It was well deigned in my eyes, and the President had given his approval for it. I was already planning my third arena in my head. Arenas used to take a few years to build. I know that the Arena for the Fiftieth Hunger Games stated construction back in the Forty-Seventh. Now, Arenas could be built withing three months due to our technology. The Arenas me and the other Head Gamemaker candidates had designed were all already built, and were just waiting to be unveiled. I was also wondering which other Game I would be Head Gamemaker for. Personally, I was hoping for the games involving District Seven in the first round. I love District Seven, and they had always been my favourite. I shook myself out of my daze, and focused back on my underlings. Me had to make sure this went perfectly, and I was determined it would.
Scores
24: (3) Izzy, Saturn, Nuclear
23: (3) Queenie, Miles, Easton
22: (4) Buster, Cylinder, Holly, David
21: (4) Porche, Keith, Julia, Remus
20: (4) Axelle, Kentucky, Percy, Terra
19: (4) Chelsea, Ariel, Jacobi, Hugo
18: (2) Guega, Fission
17: (6) Crystaler, Zoey, Apollo, Tank, Ximop, Martin
16: (8) Lincon, Lexi, Graphite, Sophia, Willa, Laurel, Toni, Philip
15: (11) Mitt, Bentley, Colma, Damla, Raven, Mike, Birdie, Luke, Elijah, Ivy, Namora
14: (9) Charlie, Dasher, Kessie, Ember, Delia, Callisto, Victor, Emily, Catherine
13: (7) Madeline, Texas, Mandrai, Celestina, Harlow, Taliah, Ezra
12: (5) Chevy, Cowl, Nuvi, Azalea, Paxton
11: (4) Chassis, Jason, Ford, Ernie
10: (1) Rivet
9: (1) Waverly
8: (4) Railson, Severa, Clara, Bellamy
7: (4) Mercedes, Arizona, Bonnet, Lupus
6: (4) Nelson, Poilkam, Trinity, Lucian
5: (3) Valsa, Pauline, Alma
4: (0)
3: (0)
2: (2) Ryder, Maddison
1: (1) Slanten
Current Alliances:
Careers: Buster, Cylinder, Izzy, Saturn, Keith, Holly, Jacobi, David, Nuclear, Queenie, Julia, Polly
Anti-Careers: Chelsea, Kentucky, Lexi, Crystaler, Ariel, Axelle, Fission, Ximop, Remus, Philip, Terra, Hadrian
Boys club: Chevy, Chassis, Lincon, Apollo, Mike, Elijah, Victor, Luke
Girl gang: Severa, Madeline, Colma, Mandrai, Azalea, Celestina, Sophia, Waverly
The Kids: Mercedes, Railson, Valsa, Nuvi, Porche, Arizona, Paxton, Dasher, Bonnet, Willa, Pauline, Lupus, Alma, Lucian, Miles.
Unnamed Alliance: Cowl, Mitt, Percy, Namora, Bellamy, ?, ?
Pairs: Damla and Emily, Zoey and Bentley, Ford and Raven, Kessie and Birdie
Solo (for now): Rivet, Slanten, Texas, Charlie, Guega, Ryder, Nelson, Jason, Maddison, Tank, Graphite, Ernie, Poilkam, Laurel, Harlow, Ember, Toni, Clara, Delia, Callisto, Trinity, Ivy, Taliah, Ezra, Hugo, Martin, Catherine, Easton
A/N: My God that was annoying to write. When I get round to the next group, I may change the structure a little. Writing all those interviews was hard. Anyway, Bloodbath next. The next chapter will be out quicker than this one was, as I know the plan for it already. See you then.