Chapter 23-The Interviews:

This chapter is going to be a super long one; all twenty-four interviews will be mashed together in this chapter. I've tried to keep each one as short as possible, but the chapter is still gigantic nevertheless. Next chapter will be the bloodbath! Enjoy!

POV: Caligula Lock (President of Panem)

Marcel Flickerman bends forward in a deep bow. The audience roars in applause as he holds the position for a few moments before rising back up and strolling over to the microphone.

"Welcome one and welcome all to the interviews of the 100th Hunger Games! Tonight we will all get to know each tribute a little better, as a three minute interview is provided for each tribute. First off is Sapphire Peretz of District 1!"

Sapphire strolls onto stage with a grin as wide as the moon plastered across her attractive young face. She smiles wide and waves to the audience. The audience roars in applause as the girl sits down on the chair next to Marcel's and crosses one leg over the other.

"Well, Sapphire, how are you enjoying the Capitol?" Marcel asks.

"Oh, it's fantastic! The food's great, the rooms are great, everything's great. And I can't wait to come back here in a month or so," Sapphire replies.

"Oh, so you're confident?" Marcel observes with a tone of surprise in his voice.

"Yeah. Totally. I know I'll be making it back here after the games are over. Just you wait and see. Don't ever count me out."

"Oh, I would never count you out, Sapphire," Marcel assures the girl.

"Thank you," Sapphire replies.

"Do you like your name? It's very unique!" Marcel asks. "Sapphire."

"Well, I like it in most situations," the girl says. "The only problem is that it isn't very appropriate for the games. Once I go into that arena I want the other tributes to recognize that there's a not so sparkly streak in me. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty."

Before the girl can elaborate further, her buzzer rings. After Marcel thanks her for her time, the girl prances off of the stage with the same grace as before.

"Next up is the other half of the District 1 team, Abalone Toteston!" Marcel hollers. Abalone waltzes onto stage and sinks down into the chair next to Marcel.

"How are you doing today?" Marcel asks the boy.

"I'm doing great. I'm loving the Capitol, too. I haven't got a care in the world right now."

"Oh, I think we all wish that that were the case for us too, don't you think?" Marcel asks the audience. The crowd hums in confirmation. "Alas, that's almost never the case. But, certainly, if you become a victor, you'll be living your wildest dreams every day!" Marcel exclaims.

"Yeah. And I know I can win. I'm sure of it!" Abalone replies confidently.

"Got a girlfriend?" Marcel blurts out so fast and so randomly it's almost comedic.

The boy blushes beet red and falters for a bit as if searching for an answer to Marcel's question. All of the sudden, the red color disappears and is replaced with a charming smile.

"No. I haven't really got any love interests yet. I've been too busy getting ready for the Hunger Games to worry about that stuff," Abalone answers.

"Well, is there anyone that you've been lusting over from afar? If you win, you'll certainly be able to get any girl you want," Marcel asks further.

"No. If I like someone, they know it. I'm pretty straightforward that way," he answers confidently.

"What do you think of the extra twists?" Marcel interrogates. The boy pauses for a bit and stares at the ceiling as if searching for the right answer.

"Oh, I love them all," he finally replies. "They're very creative. Especially the one that grants each tribute a second chance after they die. Twice as much fame and glory if I win."

"I must ask: what inspired you to add that twist in?" the boy asks, crumpling his face with curiosity.

"Well, we just wanted to show that up here in the Capitol we believe in second chances."

Before they can answer any further questions from each other, Abalone's buzzer rings.

"Next up is Emma Walker of District 2!" Marcel exclaims. Emma strolls onto the stage, bringing on a whole new wave of cheers from the audience as Marcel welcomes her.

"Oh, you look wonderful, Emma!" Marcel compliments, pointing at Emma's lovely pink dress cascading towards the ground and tumbling around her feet.

"Thank you!" Emma replies. "You look just as wonderful," Emma repeats the compliment.

"Oh, thank you," Marcel replies. "Now, Emma, what inspired you to volunteer into this very special Hunger Games?"

"Huh…" Emma pauses for a bit to come up with an answer. "I guess I just wanted to take part in a Quarter Quell. I'm very honored that I can bring pride to my district and honor to my country once I win. That feeling of satisfaction and duty is enough to risk your life for."

"Well, you clearly have a clear set of morals, Emma," Marcel notices. A hum of approval rolls through the audience.

"What do you think of the main twist, the one that requires every tribute to be a volunteer?" Marcel asks.

"Well, it surely is unique," the girl replies. "It will also make for a very interesting games, because every tribute has that extra motivation to win. On the other hand, I absolutely loved the extra twists. They were so creative and well added in."

"When did you decide, Emma, that you wanted to volunteer into the Hunger Games?"

"Since I was I child," Emma replies. "My family urged me to wait until a quarter quell to volunteer, just for that extra bit of pride when I win."

"So you've got family?" Marcel inquires.

"Yep. My parents," Emma adds.

"Well, they're surely proud of their daughter, making it all of the way here. I'm sure they love you very much."

At that, the loud buzzer sounds and Emma prances off of the stage.

"Next up is District 2's Colton Chancler!" Marcel exclaims. The boy strides onto stage and sinks down into the plush velvet chair, his huge form making the chair look miniature.

"Well, Colton, are you looking forward to entering the arena? You sure seem confident," Marcel observes.

"Yeah. I'm excited for when I win," Colton chews up the words and spits them out.

"And what do you think of the other tributes?" Marcel inquires, leaning forward in his chair as if making sure he doesn't miss the answer. The boy pauses for an extremely long period of time before finally speaking.

"Weak," he says with an intimidating tone in his voice. The boy is clearly trying to act mysterious for the audience, which makes him that extra bit more intriguing.

"How are things back home? Why did you volunteer?" Marcel asks, now desperately searching for something to say to entertain the audience.

"I volunteered because I know I can win. And I am going to win, I assure you," he says. There's no time to explain. The buzzer sounds and he throws himself off of his chair before strolling off of the stage.

"Now, we have the pleasure of hearing from District 3's Gyzmo Kressin!" Marcel shouts. He turns towards the entrance as Gyzmo waltzes onto stage, smiling and waving to the audience.

"Welcome, Gyzmo! What's your favorite part of the Capitol so far? You sure seem to be enjoying it!" Marcel asks after the girl sits down.

"Hmm…that's a toughie," Gyzmo places her finger over her chin as if searching for an answer to the question. "I would have to say either the food or the beds in the training center. They're so comfortable!" the girl exclaims, fingering her braid.

"Hey, what's that in your hair? Why don't you show us?" Marcel requests, leaning forward in his chair to get a glimpse of her braid.

"If you say so," the girl lifts herself off of her chair and turns towards the audience, allowing all to see the blue and purple feathers woven into her hair. A sigh of veneration comes from the audience as she sits back down.

"Now, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't ask you this. Why did you volunteer?" Marcel asks.

"Well, I wouldn't mind being rich. You know, my mother was a victor, and I've kind of always known that I wanted to follow in her footsteps."

"I'm sure she's very proud of you," Marcel adds. "Don't you all agree?" he says as he gestures towards the audience. The crowd lets out a sigh of agreement.

"What's your opinion on the extra twists? I thought they were very cool!" Marcel asks the girl.

"Oh, I loved them. The first one, the one that required a map of every tribute to be projected into the sky once a day will make for a super interesting games. The third one was my favorite, though."

"Why was it your favorite?" Marcel asks, leaning in as to make sure he doesn't miss the answer. There's no time for her to explain. The loud buzzer sounds before she can open her mouth. After Marcel dismisses her, she waltzes off of the stage confidently.

"Next in line is District 3's Cirkyt Janik!" Marcel announces. The boy waltzes onto stage and sits down in the chair next to Marcel's, his feet dangling a few inches above the ground because of his short stature.

"Are you excited for the 100th Hunger Games? They're sure to be a doozy because of the four twists!" Marcel says.

"Yes! I'm very excited," says Cirkyt, fidgeting with his hands in his lap.

"And what are your plans for the arena? What will you do when that gong rings?" Marcel asks.

"Hehe. I won't tell you yet. You'll just have to wait and see!" the boy exclaims, grinning.

"Oh, you're just messing with us, keeping us on the edge of our seats!" says Marcel with a smile.

"Yep. I like surprises, and I know a lot of people do, so I don't want to spoil anything. I want the games to be as exhilarating as possible."

"I think we all do," Marcel says. "And they're guaranteed to be exhilarating because of the twists. But why did you volunteer into the games in the first place?"

"Well, my dad and I have wanted to do a lot of things that we can't do because we don't have the money. But if I win, we can afford to do all that and make our dreams come true. Don't count me out!"

"Oh, you know I would never do that," Marcel assures him with an affirmative smile. Cirkyt's buzzer sounds. He throws himself off of his seat and strolls off of the stage.

"I'm sure you'll join me in welcoming January Frable of District 4 to the stage!" Marcel hollers. January paces onto the stage and drops down in the chair next to Marcel's, wearing a dress that looks like it was spun from the very water of the ocean from which fish comes from.

"Wow! You look fabulous!" Marcel exclaims. "Why don't you stand up so that we can all see your dress?"

The girl obeys, standing up and twirling around a few times, the sea-blue fabric whirling around her torso. The audience roars in applause at the beauty of the thing.

"Isn't it beautiful?" January asks, to nobody in particular.

"Absolutely," Marcel replies. The girl sits back down and begins her interview once the cheering of the audience dies down a bit.

"How are you tonight? You sure seem happy!" says Marcel.

"Oh, I'm great, Marcel. I love it here. And I can't wait to go into that arena and show everyone what I'm made of. You won't be disappointed."

"I'm sure we won't. What are your thoughts on the extra twists?" Marcel asks January.

"I really like them, actually. They all seem really appropriate and exciting. This is the 100th Hunger Games, and it kind of has to be exciting. I'll do my best to make it as exciting as possible for all of you guys. I'm not afraid to get my hands a little dirty," she says with a smile, holding her hands above her head for a few moments as if to show the audience how clean they are.

"Are you confident that you're able to win this thing?" Marcel ventures.

"Yep," the girl replies, forming her lips into a solid line. "I'm sure I'll win. Just you watch. I may be only twelve, but I can certainly pack a punch," January says, forming her hand into a fist and holding into the air playfully. January's buzzer sounds, and she stands up, bows to the audience, and starts off of the stage, her dress trailing over the ground behind her.

"Next is Nathan Kaputo of District 4!" Marcel hollers. The boy strolls onto stage, smiling and waving towards the audience as he walks towards his chair.

"Nathan, how are you doing today?" Marcel asks as Nathan takes a seat across from him.

"Well. Very well, thank you. How are you?" Nathan repeats the question.

"Oh, I'm fantastic. Exhilarated, really. I love my job," Marcel answers. "How far do you think you'll make it into the games? Are you confident that you can win?"

"Oh, I'm very confident, Marcel. I know that I can win," Nathan replies.

"Your training score certainly supports that. Tens are very high! What did you think of the twist?" Marcel asks.

"I love it. Every tribute has that extra motivation to win because they all have their own reasons to return home victorious. It's sure to be the most exciting games yet," he answers.

"I agree one-hundred-percent," Marcel agrees, nodding his head in confirmation. "What did you think of the extra twists? Which was your favorite?"

"Hmmm," Nathan hums as if searching for his answer to the difficult question. "I guess the first one has to be my favorite. Everyone will have to be on the move to avoid being ratted out by the more bloodthirsty tributes in ten seconds. I love them all, though. It's super hard if not impossible to pick a favorite."

At that, Nathan's buzzer sounds. He lifts himself off of his chair and offers one wide wave to the audience before striding off of the stage.

"Next, we have the pleasure of hearing from District 5's Ambrosia Clemens!" Marcel announces. Ambrosia strolls onto stage wearing a glittering purple dress and slumps down into the chair across from Marcel, crossing one leg over the other.

"My, my, don't you look special," Marcel comments on the way Ambrosia looks in her dress.

"Thank you," she replies modestly, leaning towards the audience a bit so that the crowd can all see it.

"How are you enjoying the Capitol so far, Ambrosia?" Marcel asks with a smile.

"I love it. The food is great, the beds are super comfortable, and the atmosphere is great. It's kind of everything I've ever dreamed of and more. It really is wonderful," Ambrosia replies with a glimpse of longing in her eyes.

"It really is amazing," Marcel agrees. "Why did you come here in the first place? That is to say, why did you volunteer?"

The girl looks taken aback for a moment. I can practically see the thoughts racing through her head as she tries to come up with an answer.

"I guess I've just always wanted to see the Capitol and live there for a bit. And I can't wait to come back here in a few weeks," she answers, forcing a smile.

"Well, I do think that even getting a glimpse of this wonderful country is enough to risk one's life for, isn't it," Marcel conjectures. Ambrosia nods in agreement.

"And what did you think of the twist?" he ventures.

"Great, I thought it was really great," she says simply, not giving many details. There's no time for her to explain any further because her buzzer rings before she can do so much as open her mouth. She leaps off of the chair and waves to the audience a bit before strolling off of the stage and making way for the next tribute.

"And next in line is District 5's Dorian Bacchmuth!" Marcel shouts. The boy starts onto the stage, waving to the audience and smiling.

"Dorian. How are you doing today?" Marcel asks as Dorian takes a seat across from him.

"Well. Very well, actually. I've wanted to come here my whole life," he replies.

"I'm sure you have," Marcel adds as a response of sorts to Dorian's answer. "What did you think of the main twist?"

"I really liked it. It's really cool and really creative. I can't wait to go into that arena and be declared the victor of the 100th Hunger Games."

"So you're confident?" Marcel notices.

"Yep," he replies confidently. "I know that I'll be returning here in a few weeks. I just know it. Don't ever count me out."

"Rest assured that we would never count anybody out. Have you got family back home?" Marcel asks.

"Yes," he replies. "My parents."

"Well, I'm sure they're very proud of their son, making it all of the way here."

"I certainly hope so," the boy replies, shrugging his shoulders. The buzzer sounds. Marcel thanks Dorian for his time, and then the boy lifts himself off of the chair and confidently strides off of the stage with a grin on his face.

"Now, we have the privilege of hearing from District 6's Anna Kerkelie!" Marcel cries. The girl prances onto stage, smiling madly and swinging back and forth, letting the frills of her dazzling emerald green skirt whirl around her body as she takes a seat across from Marcel.

"Wow! Isn't your dress something?" Marcel's eyes widen in amazement.

"I know, right? It's so amazing. It's such a shame that I don't get to keep it if I win," Anna adds, a disappointed expression on her face.

"Now, Anna, what makes you so confident that you'll win? You sure seem that way!" Marcel observes.

"Well, I kind of have to have that attitude. No person who always has a bad attitude and wallows in their pessimism will make it far into the games. It's best to just smile and live life to its fullest. Tomorrow isn't a given, you know."

"Those really are words to live by," Marcel says with a solemn tone in his voice. "What is your opinion on the extra twists?" Marcel changes the subject so rapidly it's almost comedic.

"I think they're super creative. They'll sure make the games as exciting as possible," Anna replies, fidgeting with the frills of her skirt.

"I agree with you one-hundred percent," Marcel agrees. Anna's buzzer rings.

"Oh, it's such a shame we don't have more time to get to know you. Thank you so much for your time. Good luck," Marcel says. At that, Anna starts off of the stage.

"Next up, finishing off the first half of the interviews tonight is Michael Leftwich of District 6!" Marcel exclaims. Michael strolls onto stage, smiling and waving to the audience.

"Now, Michael, we sure have a lot to talk about and such little time. Let's start at the beginning. What was your reaction when you volunteered? What was going through your mind when you uttered those special words?" Marcel asks.

"You want to hear the real answer?" Michael says in a hushed whisper, placing his hand on one side of his mouth. "I was just happy that I wouldn't have to go to school on Monday!" he exclaims comedically. The audience bursts into laughter at his joke.

"Well, that's a very interesting response, to say the least!" Marcel exclaims, laughing a bit himself. "Are you confident that you can win?" Marcel attempts to steer the topic back towards the actual interview.

"Yeah!" Michael exclaims, standing up. "Vote for me!" he exclaims as he raises his hands into the air, which proves he's either hilariously funny or has zero idea of the concept of the Hunger Games. The audience bursts into laughter once more before the boy sits back down. "Schools will be cancelled on Thursday and Friday! Compulsory party days for everybody!"

"Alright, Michael, let's not get too carried away, now. I don't think victors have that much power," Marcel attempts to calm him down a bit with no success.

"They will after I win! I'll make them have that power!" the boy shouts hilariously. The audience sighs in disappointment when Michael's buzzer rings.

"Oh, wouldn't we all love to spend a few more minutes with you?" Marcel asks. The audience sighs in agreement. "Unfortunately, rules are rules. We all wish you luck, Michael." With that, he starts off of the stage.

"We now have District 7's Amber Symons!" Marcel hollers. The girl strolls onto stage and plops down in the seat across from Marcel.

"How are you doing, Amber?" Marcel asks.

The girl grins with joy. "Oh, I'm doing wonderful. Might I add that you look absolutely fabulous, today, Marcel," Amber adds, pointing at Marcel's outfit.

"I would say the same about you," Marcel returns the compliment. "What's your opinion on the three extra twists? They sure are interesting ones!"

"I love them all. The first one was just so creative, the second one was as well, but the third one has to be my favorite. Every tribute having two lives in the arena gives twice as much fame and glory to the victor, right?"

"Absolutely," Marcel confirms. "How confident are you that the victor will be you?"

"I'm fairly confident. Very confident, actually," Amber answers.

"Well, confidence really is key," Marcel adds. Amber nods in agreement.

"How's life back home?" Marcel asks, crossing one leg over the other and leaning back in the plush velvet chair.

"It's fine. I've kind of always known that I wanted to volunteer, but I wanted to wait until a Quarter Quell just for that extra boost to win," Amber answers.

"And what gives you that extra boost to win now?" Marcel interrogates.

"I guess the fact that, off the ninety-nine Hunger Games victors, only three won Quarter Quells, gives me that extra motivation to join that 'exclusive club' of sorts."

Amber's buzzer rings soon after. She hoists herself out of the chair and waves to the audience before starting off of the stage.

"Next in line is District 7's Grover Hutchings!" Marcel exclaims. The boy starts onto stage and sits down across from Marcel.

"Got any guesses about the whereabouts of the arena?" Marcel asks curiously.

"I don't even know where to start guessing, so I'd have to say no," Grover answers.

"Have you got any wishes for the arena?" Marcel asks further.

"I hope that there'll be a lot of trees," the boy answers.

"Why is that?" Marcel leans forward in his chair as if making sure he doesn't miss the answer.

"Forests are good places to…" he pauses as if searching for the right word. "Disappear. There are not many trees here in the Capitol. But there are so many things to do that it almost makes up for the lack of green. But not quite."

"Why ever not?" Marcel asks.

"Nothing beats nature in its pure form. Away from the clutches of mankind. We have lots of forests back in my home district and I've loved them ever since I was a child," he answers. Marcel nods in understanding as he speaks.

"So, Grover, when you're not scoring twelves in training, what do you do?"

"I really like to play outside. It's one of my favorite things to do," he replies.

"I remember playing outside a great deal when I was your age," Marcel adds, looking as if he's thinking back to his childhood.

"Me and you both," Grover says to Marcel.

"Well, it's time to succumb to the elephant in the room. What did you do during your session to earn a twelve? That's the highest score this year!"

The boy pauses for a bit as if searching for the right answer. "I have my ways," he replies. "You'll just have to see what my skills and talents are when I'm entered into the arena."

"You're certainly killing us with the wait," Marcel says. Grover's buzzer rings, so he stands up and waves to the roaring crowd before waltzing off and making way for the next tribute.

"Let's all but our hands together for District 8's Calico Alpert!" Marcel shouts. The girl strolls onto stage, smiling madly and swinging back and forth, allowing the frills of her golden sparkly dress to swirl around her torso.

"Please, sit down, Calico," Marcel requests as the girl drops down onto the chair across from Marcel.

"Got any hidden talents, Calico, that you'd like to show us?" Marcel asks once the applause from the crowd dies down a bit.

"Well, I can touch my nose with my tongue!" Calico exclaims. The audience explodes into laughter and I refrain from shoving my hands over my ears to drown out the sound. "Would you like to see?"

"Yes-sir-ree!" Marcel chuckles. The crowd goes quiet as Calico sticks out her tongue and reaches it up before gently touching the tip of her noise. "And watch this!" Calico says as she grabs the tip of her tongue and pulls it up to her left eye.

"I think we'd better declare Calico the victor already!" Marcel attempts to duplicate Calico's feat with no luck, not resulting in an impressive feat but instead just a stupid facial expression.

"You look absolutely marvelous, today! Why don't you stand up so we can all see your lovely skirt," Marcel requests. The girl nods her head as she stands up and twirls around a few times. The crowd sighs in veneration as the dress practically glows, the golden sparkles and sequins reflecting the light from overhead so that I can practically see myself reflecting in the material.

"In fact, I'd like a round of applause for my stylist who put together this lovely costume!" Calico says before the audience stands up and applauds the beauty of the dress. Marcel instructs the girl to sit back down once the cheering dies down a bit.

"I'm eager to know what you think of the extra twists," Marcel says.

"Sure," the girl replies, crossing one leg over the other. "I think they're super creative. My favorite has to be the second one, though—the one that exempts the family members of the victor from the reaping for the rest of their lives. It just goes to show the generosity of the Capitol."

"That it does," Marcel confirms. Calico's buzzer rings not one second after he finishes his thought. After Marcel thanks her for her time, the girl skips off of the stage.

"Let's have a round of applause for District 8's Justin Kirsten!" Marcel shouts. The audience complies, clapping and whistling as the boy strolls onto stage and sits down across from Marcel.

"Have you been watching the interviews from backstage, Justin?" Marcel asks.

"Yep. They've been very interesting, to say the least," he pauses for a bit, crinkling his eyebrows and desperately searching for something to say. "I'm really nervous," he says anxiously after a long while.

"Don't worry," Marcel assures him. "We're just all here to have a great time."

"What are your thoughts on the 100th Hunger Games?" Marcel asks, patiently encouraging Justin to talk.

"They're interesting. I can't wait for them to begin," he replies.

"Me too. I think that's true for all of us, is it not?" Marcel shouts to the audience. The crowd roars in confirmation of his statement.

"What are some of your strengths, Justin?" he asks. "What are some of the things that will help you to make it far into the games?"

"Um, yes, well… I guess I'm good at quickly setting up a makeshift shelter and building an efficient snare. Those are the two main things I focused on during training."

"Indeed, those are two very important skills to learn. Both of them might well save your life in that arena," as Marcel speaks, Justin nods his head in agreement.

"How long have you been the host of the games, again?" Justin asks Marcel, tilting his head.

"This is my seventeenth year! I know, I'm so old, right?" he answers. At this, the audience chuckles a bit. But, Justin's buzzer rings before he can crack any more jokes. Justin quickly gets off of the chair and anxiously high-tails off of the stage briskly.

"Next, we have the pleasure of hearing from District 9's Kennedy Seibold!" Marcel exclaims as the girl strolls onto the stage and drops down in the chair across from Marcel.

"How are you tonight, Kennedy?" Marcel asks the girl.

"Splendid. And you?" she replies.

"I'm fantastic. You know, it's very difficult to not be in a happy mood this time of year. It's the Hunger Games!"

"Now, Kennedy, why did you volunteer?" Marcel asks, leaning forward in his chair as if not wanting to miss the answer. The crowd goes silent as everyone wants to hear her response.

"Well, my family and I have been facing some…economic hardship recently," she replies a while later. "The monetary prize that they give to the victor could help my family to get out of that sticky situation and move on."

"Well, we all wish the best of luck to you," Marcel says sympathetically. The girl nods her head in agreement as Marcel speaks.

"Have you got family back home?" Marcel asks Kennedy.

"Yep. Just my parents," Kennedy answers crisply, forming her lips into a tight and solid line.

"Well, I'm sure they're very proud of their daughter for making it all of the way here," Marcel suggests. At that, Kennedy's buzzer sounds. She shakes hands with Marcel, and after Marcel thanks her for her time she walks off of the stage.

"Let's all put our hands together for Jackson Harte of District 9!" Marcel exclaims as the boy walks onto the stage and sits down across from him.

"Hello, Jackson," Marcel says, turning towards him and speaking in a conversational tone.

"Hi, Marcel," the boy replies, crossing one leg over the other.

"Now, Jackson, what did you do in your private session to earn yourself the score you got?" Marcel asks him. Even though Jackson only got a four, Marcel sure seems excited to hear his answer.

"I wish I could tell you," he says in a tone that carries a hint of smugness. "But I can't."

"Not even a tiny hint?" Marcel begs, putting his first and second fingers a tiny distance apart as if to request a small amount.

"Nope," he says, shaking his head and crossing his arms. "I have my ways, and you'll just have to wait until the games start to see what I'm capable of."

"Well, you've sure got us on the edge of our seats. Now, back on topic, what are your thoughts on the main twist, the one that requires every single tribute to be a volunteer?"

"I think it's quite clever," the boy replies after a few moments of thinking. "It certainly will make for one of the most exciting games in history," Marcel nods in agreement as Jackson speaks.

What's your life like back home? Why did you volunteer?" Marcel asks the two questions in rapid fire as if anxious to hear his answers.

"Well, life's pretty simple back home. I would say it's just the typical life for a teenager: going to school, hanging out with friends at the home, you know, the normal stuff."

"And why did you volunteer?" Marcel repeats his question. There's no time for him to explain because his buzzer rings before he can do so much as open his mouth. At that, the crowd produces a collective sigh of disappointment.

"Alas, rules are rules, and Jackson Harte's time is up," Marcel says as he wishes Jackson luck. At that, Jackson makes one, wide wave to the crowd and leaves the stage.

"I'm sure you'll join me in welcoming to the stage Amanda Boix of District 10!" Marcel exclaims. The girl walks onto stage, smiling and waving to the crowd as she strolls over to her seat.

"How are you doing, Amanda?" Marcel asks the girl.

"I'm just wonderful. The Capitol is so much more amazing than I ever pictured it to be," the girl responds. Amanda is different from all of the other tributes. She seems like just that—a little girl. Not a strong fighter or a keen survivalist. Just a little girl.

"Yes, our city is very beautiful," Marcel confirms her statement. "How are you enjoying it here?"

"It's fabulous. The food is great and the beds are great and the view from the training center is to die for," she says, eyes widening with enthusiasm.

"It really is," he replies, nodding. "What were your thoughts when the mayor pulled your name from the makeshift reaping bowl?" Marcel asks her.

"I was shocked, of course. It would be impossible to not be shocked if your name was pulled out of thousands of others to enter a fight to the death. But I came to terms with it soon enough and now I'm just enjoying life here in the Capitol," she replies. Marcel chuckles at the girl's enthusiasm before asking his next question.

"Amanda. You've come so far. Your family must miss you very much. What would you say to them if you could?" Marcel says with a tone so drastically different than before that it feels strange and out of place.

"I'm sure they do miss me. I miss them very much as well. If I could say one thing to them now, I would just tell them to be strong and never give up. Persistence is what's going to help in all areas of life. It's what's going to help me make it as far as I can in the games."

"Those really are words to live by," Marcel adds, nodding his head in agreement. Amanda's buzzer rings soon after Marcel finishes speaking. When it does, she stands up and shakes hands with Marcel before starting out of the spotlight with a smile on her young face.

"Now, we have the pleasure of hearing from District 10's Colton Spears!" Marcel proclaims. The boy starts onto the stage and sits down across from him. Awkward tension hangs in the air as neither has anything to say.

"Hello, Colton," Marcel says after a long while. "How are you tonight?"

"I'm great," he replies simply.

"That's wonderful. Have you been watching the interviews from backstage?"

"Yep."

"Well, how do you like the Capitol?"

"Great."

"You miss home?"

"Nope."

Marcel bites his lip as he searches for something to say to coax a detailed answer out of the boy. "That's great! I guess you won't have to worry about homesickness in the arena. What part of the games are you most looking forward to?"

"Seeing the arena for the first time," Colton says nervously.

"That is very exciting," Marcel smiles. "Do you think you can win?"

"Yep. I'm sure," he says quickly, his voice quivering.

"I love your confidence. Confidence really is key," Marcel says.

"Thanks," Colton says, forming his lips into a tight line, his eyes turning a bit red. It's visibly obvious that he's fighting back tears.

"Are you nervous at all?" Marcel asks. The boy shakes his head back and forth a few times as if to say no. He's lying.

"Well, that's good," Marcel says.

At that, Colton's buzzer rings. As soon as the sound begins, Colton lifts himself off of the seat and shuffles off of the stage before being dismissed. For a millisecond, Marcel looks taken aback. But, he resumes his charismatic attitude and resumes the interviews immediately after.

"Next up, coming all the way from District 11, is Lillian Forseberg!" Marcel exclaims. The girl strolls onto the stage waving to the audience as she starts over to her spot and takes a seat.

"How are you holding up, Lillian?" Marcel asks the girl.

"Great. I don't think I've ever tasted pork tenderloin so delicious!" she replies with a surprising amount of enthusiasm.

"That's great," Marcel chuckles a bit. "Got any wild guesses as to what the arena will be like?"

Lillian places her finger on her chin as if searching for an answer. "Well, it's a quarter quell, so it has to something special. Maybe a cave network, maybe a jungle, maybe a huge maze, and maybe so many other things that I can't count them all."

"Are you excited to find out?" Marcel asks.

"Sure I am," she replies with a grin on her face.

"What are your thoughts on the other aspect of the games: the four twists? Which was your favorite? Your least favorite?" Marcel continues.

"That's a really tough question. I guess my favorite is kind of a tie between the main twist, the one that requires every tribute to be a volunteer; and the fourth one, which grants each tribute a second chance after they die. They were all so creative, though."

"I agree. They're sure to make the games very special," Marcel agrees. "Have you got family back home?"

"Yep! My parents and my brother," she replies, pursing her lips.

"They must be very proud of you. You've come so far, Lillian. What would you say to them if you could?"

The girl utters a sound that sounds like the letter 'e', but her buzzer rings before she can finish her thought. The loud sound lasts for a few seconds as Lillian stands up. After Marcel wishes her luck in the arena, she shuffles off of the stage to make way for the last tributes.

"Next is Aster Sabatello of District 11!" Marcel shouts. The boy walks onto stage and sits down across from him.

"Aster! It certainly is a pleasure to see you!" Marcel exclaims, smiling.

"I'm super happy to see you too, Marcel," the boy adds.

"How are you enjoying the Capitol?" Marcel asks.

"Great. It really is beautiful," he replies simply.

"Well, I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself," Marcel says. "Have you got family back home?"

"Yep," he confirms, forming his lips into a solid line. "My mom and dad."

"Well, I'm sure they miss you very much, and I'm sure you miss them very much as well," as Marcel speaks, the boy nods his head in solemn agreement.

"But I have to do my best to win and go back home to them," he says with a solemn tone.

"And I'm sure that they'll be rooting for you in the arena," Marcel says. At that, Aster's buzzer rings and he strolls off of the stage.

"Now, let's all put our hands together for Danielle Koltser!" Marcel yells as the girl starts onto center stage and sits down across from him.

Marcel asks Danielle all of the usual questions, and she replies to all of them with a simple yes or no. Any questions pertaining to her home life she answers with a simple shrug. The girl's speech is simply void of enthusiasm and her responses are void of elaboration, only stopping to say that she doesn't mind killing when asked what her game plan is. She seems to want to remain as mysterious as possible.

Her strategy is certainly working, because she seems that extra bit more intriguing. When her buzzer rings, she shuffles off of center stage without giving Marcel the customary smile and handshake—not particularly rude, but not precedented anyways.

"And finally, we have the pleasure of hearing from District 12's Julian Ackerly!" Marcel exclaims as the boy strides onto stage and sits down across from him.

"Good night, Julian. How are you?" Marcel asks.

"Good. Very good. Thank you," he replies timidly.

"Well, that's certainly great. How do you think the twists will affect the way that the games play out?" Marcel asks.

"Huh. That's difficult to determine ahead of time," he says, squinting his eyes as if deep in thought. "The one that requires the map of all of the tributes to be shown in the sky will certainly make it more interesting because nobody will feel safe camping out in one place for long. The third one, though, is sure to be the most ground-breaking. I think we will all be that bit braver and more risk-taking knowing that we have two lives. The bloodbath will probably have at least fifteen deaths or so because of it," he replies.

"You have many very interesting ideas, Julian," Marcel says.

"Thank you," Julian thanks him for his compliment.

"Now, I think it's time to succumb to the elephant in the room," Marcel says. The room is so silent that you could hear a pin drop. "Why exactly did you volunteer at the reaping?"

Julian's face crinkles in deep thought. I can practically see his mind racing, searching for an answer.

"Well, when that boy fainted in front of me, I knew that I couldn't let that happen to any more people. I just had to volunteer for him," as he speaks, the crowd hums in admiration.

"We all admire your courage, Julian. You definitely have a clear set of morals," Marcel says with a look of sympathy on his face. "And we'll be rooting for you in the arena."

At that, Julian's buzzer sounds. He accepts Marcel's handshake and shoots the audience a charming smile before strolling off of the stage without looking back.

"So, are we all pumped up for the Hunger Games?" Marcel roars. The audience explodes with applause in confirmation.

"Great!" he exclaims. "At eight o'clock tomorrow morning, the 100th annual Hunger Games will begin! Twelve districts, twenty-four tributes, one victor. Panem today, Panem tomorrow, Panem forever. Have a great night!" Marcel shouts. At that, he sets down the microphone and switches it off. He shoots a charming smile towards the audience and laughs as he strolls off of the stage.

What did you think of the interviews? I hope you enjoyed them. Next chapter will be the bloodbath! I'm super excited and it's going to be very difficult to kill off twenty-three of these characters because I love them all so much. It's sure to be one of the most exciting bloodbaths in history because more tributes will run in for supplies knowing that their death isn't necessarily final. Please review and tell me what you think!

Published 9/10/17