Chapter 28

Cedric Diggory's POV (District 1)

"You have five minutes in your interview. Five minutes to make a good impression." Jack Sparrow drawls, looking me and Alice up and down. We're in the prep room that I assume every tribute has to go in before the interview. "Be clever." He smirks, pointing at the two of us. I cast a sidelong glance at Alice, which she doesn't return. I didn't expect her two.

Our stylist has really outdone himself here.

I'm wearing a simple black suit, but the tailoring has done wonders for my physique. It's nice and reassuring to feel this powerful, just because of my clothes. There's a golden trimming on the cuffs of my jacket too, which I think is there for some more glamorous element.

Alice is wearing a red dress that's made up of several different materials; velvet, netting, fur, and silk. It's strapless and protrudes from her waist nicely, although it doesn't look like she even knows she's wearing it. Her hair is loose down her back, whereas mine has been expertly gelled and styled.

They want me to be the handsome, strong one. The lover. The prevalent district 1 beauty and glamour seems to be the running trend for us, and they want us to parade like peacocks because of it.

"Play up your angles. Make them…" Jack trails off and then grins. "Love you." He says, dragging out his words drunkenly.

There's a knock on the door and, when Jack doesn't reply, an Avox walks solemly in. She points at Alice and I, and then gestures towards the door.

"That's your cue, matey." Jack grins, before turning us around, patting us on the back, and then pushing us towards the door. I don't quite manage a glance back at him as we leave the room, following the Avox down the corridor towards a door. Once we reach it, she holds out her hand in front of us, then stands in front of the door, waiting.

I've never like the presence of Avoxes. Not because they're traitors, or nonconformists, but because they guilt me. They spoke out against injustice, and now they can't speak. In a sick way, it only further proves their point.

Within the next five minutes, the rest of the tributes line up behind us, in a variety of different colours. I have to make this. I have to win. My family needs the money, and I need to live. I have to live. Boys go first, which means I'll be the very first in the chair opposite Caesar. I'll be the one that won't remain fresh in the Capitol's memory unless I make an impression. So I have to make an impression.

The Avox is alerted by a flashing light embedded in her palm, and then opens the door in front of me, her hand on my back as she ushers me through.

The roar of the crowd is deafening back stage, and I wait by a curtain, watching the bright figure of Caesar as he leaps up from his chair and gestures to me.

"Please welcome, ladies and gentlemen, Cedric Diggory!" He calls. I feel myself blanch as I steel myself and walk out onto the stage. My knees are weak under the bright lights and I can feel the sweat on my palms as I shake Caesar's hand. If he notices this he does nothing to show it, which relaxes me somewhat. He's here to help. The crowd is enormous, but I can barely see them thanks to the glare of the pink lights above. I take a seat on the chair next to Caesar and do my best to smile winningly. I have to sell this. And it's going to be hard with my heart pounding like a drum inside my chest. I only have five minutes to show them who I am.

"So Cedric, how does it feel to be here?" Caesar asks me, and I grin.

"Absolutely fantastic, Caesar. I'm surrounded by colour and beautiful people. What's not to love?"

And then we both laugh, because what I've said is oh-so-complimentary. There are sighs from the over emotional crowd. Caesar flashes his pearly white teeth at me again.

"Now, I think we're all wondering this… How did it feel to volunteer?" He asks me, and I feel myself tense.

"It was…" I pause. "Exhilarating. The thought of coming here and winning the games is beyond imagination." I reply, thinking carefully about every word that comes out of my mouth. "And I will win. I will win the games." I add, my words a lot stronger than I could have ever have hoped. Caesar looks pleased. I've given him material.

"Confidence is an admirable quality. Can you tell us about your training score? A 10 is very impressive." He prompts.

"Oh Caesar, I could never reveal something like that." I laugh. "You'll just have to wait and see." After a seconds hesitation I wink at the cameras and there's a roar from the crowd.

"I look forwards to it." Caesar nods, standing up. My time is up already. I stand too, and shake his hand.

"Cedric Diggory, everybody!" Caesar announces, and in the heat of the moment I raise my fist in the air and yell along with the crowd. They respond to this just as I had hoped, with cheers and whoops and the kind of attention that's going to get me sponsors.

I can do this. I have to do this.

Alice Kingsley's POV (District 1)

I walk out onto stage as Caesar waves his arm towards me, but the ground doesn't feel quite as solid as usual. I wonder why that is. The crowd feels muted, like there's a weight pressing against my ears, muffling the sound. Caesar reaches for my hand and kisses it, his hands much warmer than mine. This must surprise him a little, but he doesn't waver.

We sit.

"So Alice, it's lovely to have you here, you look absolutely gorgeous." Caesar compliments and I manage a weak smile. My attention, however, is focused on the screen behind him, and how the individual pixels are changing colour and morphing on it. "Can you tell us what you've been enjoying most about the capitol so far?" He asks. The answer flies off my tongue so fast I barely notice I've said it.

"The colours." I reply softly. Caesar smile and nods to me, prompting onwards. I don't have much else to say on the matter, but I can't let this slip. "They're so bright. We don't have pink like this at home. Or yellow. Everything is so bold and…" I flick my eyes back to him. "Beautiful."

There's an appreciative murmur from the crowd, and my attention is drawn to them, staring up at the long rows of darkened faces. The lights above are blinding me, but I try my hardest not to squint.

"That's a lovely sentiment." Caesar commends. "Now, tell me… What is your main plan for the games? How do you plan to win?" He asks, in a disjointed move that doesn't sound quite right. Subject changes are usually so easy for Caesar. I wonder if it's because I mentioned how little my home is in comparison to the Capitol.

"I plan to save my strength." I smile, keeping my words quiet. "I'll have help when I'm in there."

"An alliance?" Asks Caesar, smiling. It's no wonder this is pleasing; alliances make the games more interesting. But he's misunderstood me. I'm not talking about Cedric or the bright blonde girl and her green eyed friend from 4.

"Of a sort." I smile. Caesar shoots me a smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes. Uneasy. A precarious shade of purple appears on the screen behind him and it snaps at my attention for a second before I remember where I am.

"Care to reveal anything about your training score then?" He asks, leaning forwards as if it's just between me and him.

I received an 8. Not exactly what I had been aiming for, but it didn't fall too short.

"It suits me fine."

"How did you achieve it? An 8 is no small thing." Caesar nods knowingly to the crowd. I know as well as he that an 8 is no big thing either.

"I applied myself to the situation. I had help." I explain and he shoots me another uneasy smile.

"Well I look forwards to seeing how you apply yourself in the arena, miss Kingsley." He leads, and then we stand, and I curtsey to the crowd. Got to keep up the show.

John Smith's POV (District 2)

"It's just a blue suit." Clara remarks as she sees me. "You are literally wearing exactly the samething you always wear." She continues, looking me up and down.

"You're one to talk." I retort. "Red. That's original."

She's wearing a red dress with half-length sleeves and a thick black belt. It's quite tight, and I wonder for a moment if she's changed angles. The dead black tights and sturdy boots say otherwise though. She's still every bit as fiery. They had trouble finding angles for the two of us, which is understandable enough. It's hard to define a person in one simple characteristic.

"Please, you two. These were the stylist's choices." Coulson hushes. "You need to go join the other tributes outside." He points to the door and we both turn to see a blonde Avox boy wearing their traditional red tunic. The boy gestures to the door. "Do your best." Coulson advises, our best interests at heart, as usual. It's reassuring how good he can be when he wants to be.

We say a quick goodbye and then head down the corridor to line up behind the district 1 tributes. They don't turn around to talk to us, which I find a little boring. It's nice to hold conversations. Polite and all.

The other tributes start to join the line in order of districts. I give Sherlock and Molly and experimental grin, but Sherlock just stares and Molly only blushes. Clara nudges me, pointing to the screen above us.

"Look you can see then getting interviewed." She says, and I watch as Cedric mounts the stage. He looks nervous at first, but it passes.

I don't quite manage to see the entirety of Alice's interview because the Avox girl in front of the doors calls me in and I'm made to stand backstage near the lights and cameras. It's hot back here and I find myself wishing the stylist could have gone with something a little less constricting.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… John Smith!" Caesar announces. I'm so disused to my own name that I have to remind myself that he's calling me. Not everyone calls me Doctor after all.

I walk onstage, smiling and waving at the crowd. Caesar and I shake hands before sitting down.

"Nice to meet you." Caesar begins, smiling as usual.

"Likewise." I reply, grinning out at the crowd. There is a certain excitement to it. The worse it gets the more I seem to love it.

"So… I think we all remember the reaping… You're a volunteer." Caesar leads, giving me a look of approval. I nod. You have to volunteer in District 2. It's cowardice not to.

"Yes."

"Takes a lot of courage." Caesar remarks.

"Of which I have plenty." I grin, shooting the crowd a cocky smile. There's a cheer and I'm a little taken aback at how easy they are to please. Leaning back in my chair, I try to look as relaxed as possible as Caesar laughs.

"That's exactly the right attitude. I always say confidence is key, don't I, ladies and gentlemen?" Another cheer.

"Are you a warrior, John, or do you prefer t-"

"I'm a warrior." I interrupt, lying. But as long as I say it with a grin, they'll believe me. It's a given with the district 2 tributes anyway, so it won't be hard for them to believe me. Stereotypes are to be encouraged in my case. Caesar nods with even more approval.

"Now, there are rumours amongst the Capitol that you prefer the nickname 'doctor.'" He says, leaning forwards. "Is this true?"

"Yes, Caesar."

"Why is that?"

Ah.

"Well, truth be told, I'm usually very inclined to helping people." I lean forwards and grin. "But I'm guessing that's more of a disadvantage in this situation, right?" Caesar chuckles at this.

"Right." He confirms. "I look forwards to seeing how you adapt in the games, as I'm sure you will."

My smile drops a little, but I stand up with him as he raises my hand in the air, displaying me for everyone to see.

"John Smith, ladies and gentlemen!" He yells and the crowd yells with him. Everyone is calling my name. Everyone is very excited.

How nice for them.

Clara Oswald's POV (District 2)

I walk onto the stage waving and smiling at the audience. Got to make a good impression. These people want to like me; all I have to do is play into that.

"Welcome, Clara Oswald!" Caesar smiles, reaching for my hand. I nod to him and then flash another smile at the audience. Whew.

We sit.

"Now, I think it's best that we start at the beginning don't you? What can you tell us about the reaping, Miss Oswald?" Caesar asks me, leaning backwards in his chair. I do my best to smile charmingly.

"Volunteering?"

"Yes; how did it feel?"

"It felt…" I think for a moment. How best to make myself look like the obvious, brave candidate? "Right. It felt brave." I reply, swishing my hair over my shoulder.

"Would you say that bravery is something you pride yourself on?"

"Absolutely, Caesar." I nod assertively. I stick my hand out and grin. "Laser focused on winning." I add brightly. Caesar looks minutely relieved. I guess interviewing 24 kids one after the other is a little trying, especially seeing as half won't want to talk.

"What are your strategies for the games? You received a 10 in training, so it must be a good one." He leads, exposing his glaringly bright teeth.

"Well, largely it depends on the arena. But I can, and I will, adapt. I'll simply apply myself to the situation with confidence." I smile, and there are cheers and whoops from the crowd.

"That's the kind of attitude I like to see!" Caesar exclaims, laughing. He's sat on the edge of his seat, glittery blue suit catching the light as he moves, leaning forwards. "Now… There are lots of rumours bouncing about… What can you tell us about alliances?" He asks.

"Well... I'm afraid I'm going to have to keep that confidential for now, sorry Caesar." I smile, realising that I actually have no idea what I'm doing. "You'll just have to wait and see."

"That suits me just fine." Caesar chuckles, and takes my hand as we stand up. He holds it in the air and calls out into the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, Clara Oswald!"

I wave to them with my free hand and give them my most winning smile. I don't know how winning that is, but I can hope.

Sherlock Holmes' POV (District 3)

"Sherlock, you need to try and… and… you…" Lestrade trails off. He seems to be constantly exasperated with me. Which is odd, given that he's been a tribute mentor for exactly 14 years; you'd think he'd be used to it all by now. He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Just don't analyse them like you usually do." Is his final advice. I laugh shortly.

"Yes. God forbid the tributes be smart." I retort and he sighs again in defeat.

"Smart is fine. We're trying to make you seem intelligent because right now it's the only thing you've got going for yourself. What you shouldn't do, is make fun of him. They don't like that."

"I don't make fun at them, I simply point out what's there. If they're embarrassed it's because they're embarrassing."

Lestrade looks like he's just about had it. Molly has been quiet this whole time, fiddling with the end of her braid, and adjusting the hem of her white dress. She doesn't answer back. This must please Lestrade, but I can't focus on that right now.

They've put me in dark grey tuxedo with black lapels. It's tailored to me, but I doubt I can really move much in it.

I don't have to say goodbye to Lestrade because we're promptly marched out of the room and led down a stark white corridor and lined up behind the first two districts. The boy from 2 turns and smiles at me, but I don't trust him enough to return it.

The rest of the tributes steadily join us, and I keep an eye out for John. Soon enough he appears, limping slowly next to his district partner. He gives me a quick smile before he's obstructed by district 8, and I turn back around again. Bored, I watch the interviews play out on the screen above, wondering when I'll finally be called in.

Soon enough, the Avox opens the door to me and leads me in, up some steps to a dark area behind the stage where I wait for the girl from 2 to finish. I'm a little bored waiting back here, but the crowd is getting the adrenaline going.

Finally it's my turn.

"Please welcome to the stage, Sherlock Holmes!" Caesar calls. I sigh; straighten my jacket, and then walk out, nodding curtly to the audience. I can barely see them anyway. Caesar looks bright and ridiculous as per usual. "Good evening, Sherlock." Caesar smiles, holding out his hand. I shake it and then sit down with him. I narrow my eyes and look him up and down subtly as I lean back into the plush chair.

Doesn't do any writing or hard labour; no callouses. Good posture, concealed frown lines; strict childhood and high pressure job. Accented laughter lines; surgery. Wig. False teeth. Recent liposuction.

"Good evening to you too." I reply.

"So, Sherlock, how did it feel when you arrived in the capitol?" He asked me.

"Tiring."

Caesar laughs incredulously, and looks out at the audience.

"How so?" He asks.

"There's so much to look at." I reply carefully.

His suit is brand new. He bites his lip regularly. Likely doesn't have any brothers or sisters.

"It is very busy here, granted." He agrees. "Would you say you were an observant person?" He asks and I smile.

"I'm as observant as you are stressed." I reply, evenly. Caesar's smile falters for a moment. "The stress is likely the result of such a high pressure job. It's clear you're under pressure here; look at your nails. They're fake, hiding the bitten ones underneath. Classic sign of anxiety." I point out. There's a murmur in the crowd but I pay no attention. Caesar's facial expression is dropping. "Or we could also look at your shoulders. Tense much?" I smirk and he coughs, trying to stop me.

"So, could you tell us anything about your 3 in training? It was the lowest score received." He remarks, and I'm not deaf to the cutting tone of his voice.

"Or you could tell me about how you managed to pay for your liposuction?" I retort, willing to play his game if he wants me to. Caesar isn't smiling anymore, but I am. Blackmail is certainly something the Capitol audience would be pleased to hear about, but I'm sure Caesar doesn't want that. It would be a public scandal if the Capitol found out that its favourite celebrity host was involved in extortion.

"Is this what you did in your training session?" He asks me, affronted.

"You tell me." I smile at him. The audience is muttering to one another, wondering what exactly is going on.

"Well I think that's all we have time for, Sherlock." Caesar finishes, forcing his features into a smile for the crowd. "I look forwards to seeing you in the arena."

We smile at one another and stand for the capitol. I give them a sharp nod and then walk swiftly off stage.

I've made an impression.

Molly Hooper's POV (District 3)

"Oh no." I mumble to myself as Sherlock saunters offstage, smiling to himself. He always does this. I would call it problems with authority, but in his mind Sherlock is the highest authority, so it's not that.

There's a brief moment of hesitant clapping before Caesar calls me onstage with a flourish of his hands. He seems to have recovered from Sherlock's outbursts before, which is good for me. I need him to be helpful. I can't do this by myself.

"Lovely to have you here, Molly Hooper." Caesar smiles, taking my hand and kissing it before we sit down. I make sure to make myself look as timid as possible, which isn't really all that hard.

"Thank you." I reply, quietly. The microphones will carry it out across the hall anyway, but it's good to be meek in my case.

"So let's cut to the chase, what are you hoping for in the games?" He asks me, smiling.

"I'm just hoping… I'm just…" The lights are a bit much here. It's so hard to speak. So many people are listening, and my heart has to be sounding across the hall too; it's beating so loud. "I'm hoping that I can think my way through."

"Would you describe yourself as smart then?"

"Yes." I nod, but I try to make myself sound unsure. Have to appear unassuming. Maybe, just maybe, I can get people to feel sorry for me. Although being smart isn't an exaggeration. District 3 isn't kind to those who can't work a circuit or name every bone in the body.

"What do you think of your training score?" He asks me, the tone of his voice a little kinder. He's realised I'm nothing like Sherlock, except perhaps on intellectual terms.

"A 6 is ok. I know I'm not as strong as some of the others, but I also know I can beat them when it comes to looking after myself. I can find food, and heal myself, and I know how to survive in the wild."

"Well, Molly Hooper, I hope you go far." Caesar smiles, and stands. I hurry up after him and give the audience a little bob before shaking hands with Caesar and walking quickly off stage.

Hopefully that was OK. I'm not trying to make an impression. I'm trying to blend in. And from the way the backstage crew pay hardly any attention to me as I walk out the door on the other side of the stage, I'd say I'm doing just fine.

Hot damn that was a long chapter. This was originally going to be two chapters, but in grand(ish) tradition i will be doing three district's interviews per chapter. It's so hard! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this, and PLEASE REVIEW. PLEASE. THANKYOU.

STAY EXCELLENT,

LUCY XXXXX