84th Tribute Interviews

lance
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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 18, 2020 15:38:01 GMT -5

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Post by lance on Feb 18, 2020 15:38:01 GMT -5

Here is an optional interview you may choose to fill out in response to this thread. Interviews will run from now until the start of the Games. Completing an interview is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

You may do this in RP style, as if your tribute were actually being asked these questions, or simply fill out the transcript of the conversation.

(The form is optional; you may create your own if you so wish to do so.)

[b]Name:[/b] [b]District:[/b] [b]Age:[/b] [b]I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?[/b] [b]How confident do you feel about the games now that you've seen your Training Score?[/b] [b]What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?[/b] [b]What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here?[/b] [b]Tell us what a typical day in your shoes is like back home. Do you work? Do you have any hobbies or secret talents?[/b] [b]What about romance? Cute as you are, I bet there is [i]someone[/i] back home waiting, right?[/b] [b]And your family. Sensitive subject, I'm sure, but... could you tell us about them?[/b] [b]I want to know: What is it that you'll be fighting for in that arena? What is it you want to get back home to?[/b] [b]I'm afraid we're almost out of time. Parting words to the crowd? The tributes? Your friends and family back home?[/b]

For the 84th Hunger Games, tributes who post their interviews will receive $125 in sponsorship.

Completed Interviews:
3f Georgina Hayward
4m Beck Hailsham
6f Annemie Yille
6m Walter Blake
8f Eloise Abramovich
9f River Styx
10f Amberly Angevin
10m Silas Merchoff
11f Sarina Izar
12f Juliet Monaghan
12m Angel Mo

Incomplete Interviews:
1f Sophie Fray
1m Absalom Ottrel
2f Gala Thomas
2m Alexander Chastmen
3m Laurent Crest
4f Noel Hailsham
5f Tristita Long
5m Ikaros Vallanso
7f Willow Oak
7m Ophiuchus Parallax
8m William Cubs
9m Xavier Xayachack
11m Alfonso Izar

Last Edit: Feb 22, 2020 11:36:40 GMT -5 by Kire

credit to darsypoo uwu

credit to fireflyz!

credit to stare!

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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 18, 2020 19:40:29 GMT -5

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Post by * on Feb 18, 2020 19:40:29 GMT -5

Name: Amberly Angevin
District: Ten
Age: Seventeen

I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited? All of the above, and then some. Our stylists are gods and my district partner seemed to have some really good input on our outfit designs. We definately dressed to impress.

How confident do you feel about the games now that you've seen your Training Score? Aye, I don't feel any different really. Anything can change. Anything can happen and I don't think a training score will better my odds when I'm being chased by some angry mutt or whether I'm fighting for my life. I'm not going to be be like "Oh, I scored this number. I wonder if it'll help me fight harder." No, I'm going to rely on my instincts. Not someone's opinion of a fifteen minute session of luck.

What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?
District one male seems to catch my eye. He seems innocent enough, but I wonder under all those muscles if it's just a ploy. Oh, and that district eleven girl, the Izar - one hell of a shot at throwing blades.

What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here? Knowing that someone I never knew was here.

Tell us what a typical day in your shoes is like back home. Do you work? Do you have any hobbies or secret talents?
I wake up and feed the monsters my parents made. I work in the district yeah, but if I told you what I do, I'd have to kill ya. Kidding - no really.

What about romance? Cute as you are, I bet there is someone back home waiting, right?
No one. Sorry to burst ya bubble, babe.

And your family. Sensitive subject, I'm sure, but... could you tell us about them?
They treat me as a menace, but my cousins treat me like family. It's strange. If you can't place it though, my last name is Angevin. I don't know if you remember, but eightytwo years ago, my great great Aunt Avonlea fought in the second games. We've been able to stay out of the games this long, but it seems that when you echo your distant relative from the past, the past always seems to repeat itself. So, here I am. Also found out right before I left, that I have more Angevin cousins that I'll never get to know. Fennec, if you're listening - she will find you. She knows and she's going to take care of you.

I want to know: What is it that you'll be fighting for in that arena? What is it you want to get back home to?
Honestly, what I"m fighting for is just to make Avonlea proud of me. I want her to see the strong young woman I am and stand by me in this difficult time. I will not fear death because death will be a friend of mine.

I'm afraid we're almost out of time. Parting words to the crowd? The tributes? Your friends and family back home?
Remember that Angevin's fight because we believe in something bigger.

Last Edit: Feb 18, 2020 19:41:23 GMT -5 by *

umber vivuus 12b 🥀 [dars]
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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 19, 2020 13:24:56 GMT -5

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Post by umber vivuus 12b 🥀 [dars] on Feb 19, 2020 13:24:56 GMT -5

s i l a s m e r c h o f f

They'd finally done it. They'd hydrated him so much that he could practically feel his tonsils floating in his throat, dumped enough makeup on his face that it felt nearly impossible to make any reaction past, perhaps, the simplest wisp of a smile. But he looked healthy. He looked whole. As he stared into the mirror, Silas got a glimpse of who he could have been, were he lucky enough to have been born into a life different than his own.

Perhaps, if his father had treated him and his brothers the same as Dane, tossing him away like garbage, this could have been his fate: he could've been adopted by a good family, loved, raised to love back. He could've grown up in a group home, living on a little but with so much to gain. There were endless possibilities when drugs weren't being placed in the hands of a 13 year old by his own father.

His getup was simple and clean; his stylist joked that he'd used an entire spool of fabric. Cream bow tie and vest over a crisp white shirt, black pants that were tailored to him specifically. The Capitol was the first place he'd ever been where the clothes were made for someone like him: tall and lanky. The focus of the piece was a cowboy's belt buckle, gaudy and silver, and accented by the silver trimming of his boots. Unlike the parade outfit, Silas could see someone of note wearing this, were they from Ten. He was sure he'd seen some picture of Mace wearing something similar back in his heyday.

"And now, the Tall Boy Wonder, all the way from District Ten: Silas Merchoff!"

He lumbered across the stage, his focus pulled forward toward Caesar Flickerman. Plastic surgery wasn't enough anymore; from one fading form to another, Silas wondered how long the old man had left.

"I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?"

"Hungry," he said simply. A few members of the audience chuckled.

"Yes, I suppose being dressed as a cow makes one think of burgers?" Caesar agreed, humoring him. The crowd was catching on, more laughs to follow.

"Precisely."

His plan had been to only say the words that were absolutely necessary; he wasn't trying to be funny, but if they perceived him as such, he couldn't see how it would hurt. Seeing him as charismatic and charming enough to make light of his situation would've put a lot of eyes on him; he wondered if they'd all be turned off when they saw how unbothered he would be when taking life.

"Speaking of, have you tried the food here in the Capitol?"

Silas pulled his foot up to rest on his other knee, leaning back in his seat.

"No, I've starved myself." He was sure to keep the words light enough that they could be taken as playful banter, but they weren't really all that untrue. He hadn't willingly starved himself. He'd tried eating several times. Most times his body rejected it, wanting nothing but pills and smoke to fill him.

Caesar suppressed a humorless smile, clearly not as impressed with his sarcasm as the crowd.

"You're an interesting one, Mr. Merchoff," it felt as if he'd meant to say something like abrasive asshole and then switched it out with interesting at the last second. This time it was Silas trying to suppress a smile.

"Tell me, have you made friends with any of the other tributes?"

He pondered this for a moment.

"I don't know about friends," the little boy from Six popped into his mind, and those he'd met at the bar that first night: the not-barkeeper, the shadow of a boy, and the princess. The only one of them he would've ever crossed paths with in another life was Beck, and even so, it may have been on opposing sides of some drug war.

"Have you taken note about any of them?"

"There are twenty-three. Not including me."

His words were slightly more biting, impatience beginning to harden the corners of his expression.

"Any you want to keep an eye on?"

"The ones trying to kill me."

There was a moment of silence in which Caesar stared at Silas, unimpressed, and Silas stared back with a pleased smile. The crowd erupted in laughter.

"Alright, though, I do want to get serious for a moment. Your family. Sensitive subject, I'm sure. Is there anything you can tell us about them?"

Silas cleared his throat. This was the one thing he'd been warned about. No one liked the son of a drug dealer, no one felt sorry for him.

"Absentee Mom, so it's just me and my brothers and my dad."

The crowd went silent.

"You were related to Dane Allore, right? From the 72nd Hunger Games?"

"That's what they say."

"You weren't close?"

"Too young to recall."

"What about the others? Your younger brothers? Are you close with them?"

Silas felt his lips pinch together. His brothers were the only people in the world he cared about.

"Duh, Caesar."

It was enough to send the crowd back into laughing.

"If you could say anything to them right now, what would it be?"

End on a high note, he thought, leave a good taste when you go. Leave them with a laugh. He allowed only a second of silence.

"Stay out of my room, Punks," he winked at the camera as it panned away from him to Caesar. The crowd clapped as the music began to play.

"I'm afraid that's all for now. Ladies and gentlemen, from District Ten, Silas Merchoff, the Tall Boy Wonder!"

Last Edit: Feb 19, 2020 13:29:38 GMT -5 by umber vivuus 12b 🥀 [dars]

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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 19, 2020 16:17:28 GMT -5

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Post by kap on Feb 19, 2020 16:17:28 GMT -5

"God damn right,
you should be scared of me.
Who is in control?"

~
Name: River Styx
District: Nine
Age: Eighteen

I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?

I felt confident, but it's rare for me not to feel that way. I might have been in a ridiculous outfit, but I probably looked better in it than any other tribute would have.

How confident do you feel about the games now that you've seen your Training Score?

My training score doesn't matter to me all that much. What the Gamemakers rate what I showed them doesn't change the actual capacity of my skills in a good way or a bad way.

What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?

Irritating, mostly. Some of them are interesting, and there are a select few I've grown to like, but other than those few, the rest are just prey for the Games.

What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here?

Honestly, the array of things you people give us to train with. I love the amount of weapons, tools and otherwise that we're given access too before the Games. It gives me a thrill to cut the heads off of those target dummies, know what I mean?

Tell us what a typical day in your shoes is like back home. Do you work? Do you have any hobbies or secret talents?

I'll tell you the truth, I've always been a bit of a troublemaker. Making chaos gives me a thrill. At home, I always did what I wanted to, not letting things get in my way.

What about romance? Cute as you are, I bet there is someone back home waiting, right?

No. Do you honestly think I want to waste my time with people in that way? My family never treated me right, so I really don't expect a romantic partner to.

And your family. Sensitive subject, I'm sure, but... could you tell us about them?

Trash. That's what my family is. They never treated me right when I was home, and we never cared about one another. That's just the way it is. They didn't visit me in the Justice Building after I volunteered, and honestly, that's a relief to me. I'm glad I won't have to see them again.

I want to know: What is it that you'll be fighting for in that arena? What is it you want to get back home to?

I'm fighting to show my strength. I want to show Panem how strong I am, and finally feel the thrill of fighting without having to hold back because of not being allowed to kill someone.

I'm afraid we're almost out of time. Parting words to the crowd? The tributes? Your friends and family back home?

When I'm in that arena, get ready to see some blood on my hands.

~

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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 20, 2020 15:42:52 GMT -5

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Post by d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel on Feb 20, 2020 15:42:52 GMT -5

Name: Walter Blake
District: Six
Age: Thirteen

I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?
“Caesar, didn’t you say the same thing to everyone else you have just interviewed? I guess we made a splash. It is exciting having an audience, a crowd cheering on my name. Nobody has ever shouted my name before with joy, shouting my name usually follows bad words you know like…little bastard…dirty fuc-…”

…moving swiftly on, how confident do you feel about the games now that you've seen your Training Score?
“A six to match with District Six! It is a really funny number; don’t you think Caesar? Well I guess it means I am an average Joe. Average Joes have won the games…quite a lot, I think? I imagine the average Joes are no fun for the Capitol to watch. Don’t worry, I am here for an adventure and I intend to have fun.”

What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?
“All three of those words you used Caesar, there is twenty-three of them of course there is going to be a big mix. Careers are trained for this adventure but there are really some interesting people. I think those that I may ally with are interesting. Like the three of us were consumed by a hoard of bunnies, imagine a big muscular district one playing with fluffy bunnies? Now that is interesting. I bet you did not imagine that from a well respected and educated District like One.”

What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here?
“I would like to leave a five-star review for the avoxes that work in the District Six quarters. One is really good at room service, anything I want…I can get. I have taken advantage of the libraries you have here, the avox was really good at picking out the best books. They even found the alcohol and…uhh…medicines for those with the withd…for those that wanted a fun time…”

Tell us what a typical day in your shoes is like back home. Do you work? Do you have any hobbies or secret talents?
“Uhh. Well my momma is dead; I have no idea who my dad is. I don’t really work; it is more like child labour. You obviously know about the drug dealers in District Six. Well let me give you a tip off…thank you Cassidy Sommers, I hope your business is going well without me being there. He kept a roof over my head, food in my stomach but he always had a cruel word to say about me and well now I am here, getting interviewed by you. Uhh…hobbies…I like to read. I like talking to people. I like rules. And I like big adventures.”

What about romance? Cute as you are, I bet there is someone back home waiting, right?
“Yeah. Now that the mud has been washed from my face, everyone has been calling me cute here, pinching my cheeks. But I am thirteen Caesar, romance is just a book genre to me.”

And your family. Sensitive subject, I'm sure, but... could you tell us about them?
“I have already told you that I am an orphan. I have no real family. Just carers and colleagues. Caesar,will you be my family….?”

The crowd erupts with Awws. Caesar Flickerman leans close to Walter, pinching at his cheek like so many have done before. It is the response Walter wants, the entire interview there has been such a tense feeling in the room. Maybe it is all of his ramblings…

We are all your family not little Walter.

I want to know: What is it that you'll be fighting for in that arena? What is it you want to get back home to?
“I am thirteen. I want my life to start, this is really my only chance Caesar. To break free and to finally follow the biggest adventure which is life.”

I'm afraid we're almost out of time. Parting words to the crowd? The tributes? Your friends and family back home?
“I hope to see you in a week’s time Caesar, even if it means you interviewing my corpse…”

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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 20, 2020 20:22:58 GMT -5

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Post by revel latimer, 11b 🔍 jay on Feb 20, 2020 20:22:58 GMT -5

( G E O R G I N A )
"I must say, your district made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?" Georgina could barely hear Caesar through the strident claps of the audience - and it gave her a headache. It was the combination of the striking white strobe lights, thunderous applause shaking the stage and the nauseous feeling rising in her stomach - that gave her a headache.

"It was so nervous and my mind was so focused on trying not to fall off."

The roaring capitolites in their magenta headdresses and cashmere and satin clothing have calmed, the only thing Georgina could hear were wind's wailing whistles and her own shaky breaths. "How confident do feel about the games now that you've seen you're Training Score?"

A nervousness gnawed on her insides, her hands instinctively wrapping around her chest.

"Well, if you look at previous games, Training Scores essentially only painting a larger target on your back. Victors have received ones and some of the first to die have gotten high scores like tens and twelves. The seven I secured puts me right in the middle and I hope that's a positive sign."

Caesar nodded his head, the vivid colors of his glimmering under the spotlights. Georgina was in awe of the way his resounding voice commanded the audience and how he spoke was like kissing honeysuckle lips - enchanting.

"What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?"

"I don't want to give everything away - but, I pride myself on my observational skills. The slight movement of the overhead lights, the estimation of how many people are in the audience, every quickest route away from the stage. And I think this group is interesting—half of them are volunteers and handfuls of tributes who are related in some degree to past tributes," she paused - allowing her words to catch up with her overflowing mind, "I mean we have a tribute that shares the name of a victor and two sets of siblings, by blood and by name."

He raises one of his multi-colored eyebrows, "Insightful. What about romance? Cute as you are, I bet there is someone back home waiting, right?"

"No, there's no one except for my family waiting for me. District Three is not a wealthy district, so I'm used to everyone either hating me or liking me because of my family's money."

Georgina didn't know if it was compassion she saw in Caesar's eyes or just the light reflecting off of them. She tries to hide her emotions, masking her face like a veil. Her mouth was drawn in a thin, solemn line, waiting for the audiences awes to cease.

"I'm afraid we're almost out of time. What is it that you'll be fighting for in that arena?"

"I...I really don't know. But I don't know if I have something I'm fighting for."

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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 20, 2020 20:58:42 GMT -5

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Post by [nyte] on Feb 20, 2020 20:58:42 GMT -5

B e c k H a i l s h a m

His eyes fluttered, straining against the bright lights gleaming somewhere in the distance. They were far away, burning into his skin with the vengeance of the sun. He knew the game he was playing, Beck was but an ebony pawn with a core made of ivory. His feet were locked into step - two squares forward. It had landed him here, sat in a plush chair staring anywhere but into the eyes of the stranger smiling down at him, looking just like the rest of them. Ethereally beautiful in all the wrong ways.

Beck knew he was cause for excitement. Four Hailshams in two years, the third to volunteer. Perhaps some thought him lucky, perhaps others still clung onto a truth that was worth little more to them than a bolded headline in a tabloid magazine. The Capitolites lived for this. He wondered just what made them so hollow otherwise.

Beck Hailsham from District Four. What an interesting name, what an interesting boy. Was that who he was doomed to become? "I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?"

He blanched, searching for an answer yet finding none. He hadn't felt strongly about being up there. It was yet another unpleasant thing that he'd found himself doing. Nothing he wasn't used to. "I can't say I felt much of anything," But that wasn't good enough, was it? "I did enjoy all of your cheers though."

Better.

"How confident do you feel about the games now that you've seen your Training Score?"

A bitter smile spread from cheek to cheek and he had to stop himself from gagging on the taste. "Come now, when have those silly little scores ever been relevant? I'm not confident, but I know I'm smart. I'd even argue I'm not confident because I'm smart." His lips were tight, shifting uncomfortably in his seat as he squeezed his eyes shut and begged for the next question to come.

And it did. It had to. "What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?"

That made his chest hurt. A thousand eyes bore into his soul in that moment, smile cracking as he struggled to force his shoulders into a noncommittal shrug. "I don't consider myself much of a people person, unfortunately. They're nicer than I thought they'd be, all things considered."

"What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here?"

There were a thousand things he could have said, none of them were particularly interesting. The fresh air free of a salty breeze. That terrible ache in his chest finally feeling like it was his to feel. There were eagle eyes upon him at all times but somehow they didn't feel as heavy as the ones back on the island. They didn't make him as angry. "The food's good."

"Tell us what a typical day in your shoes is like back home. Do you work? Do you have any hobbies or secret talents?"

There it was. The million dollar question. His hands tightened in his lap, sweat beading on the back of his neck. The change was visceral, eyes skating from the crowd to the edge of the stage. His leg twitched. There was panic hanging on the edge of his tongue.

And he swallowed it.

"What a leading question! Nothing too juicy to divulge I'm afraid."

"What about romance? Cute as you are, I bet there is someone back home waiting, right?"

Strangely, he felt nothing. He hadn't expected that. "Nope, never had a girlfriend. Or a boyfriend. So, uh, feel free to send me a letter on the other side,"

"And your family. Sensitive subject, I'm sure, but... could you tell us about them?"

"Can't be a sensitive subject if you don't have 'em. Comes with the whole orphan thing. Anyone I considered close enough to be family died or turned out to be a giant asshole." When he spoke, it was directly into the camera.

"I want to know: What is it that you'll be fighting for in that arena? What is it you want to get back home to?"

"I'm fighting for myself. No one else is going to have me. Not anymore. I'm Beck. Just Beck. I'll die Beck if I have to."

"I'm afraid we're almost out of time. Parting words to the crowd? The tributes? Your friends and family back home?"

"There's a lot of people out there hoping I don't make it home so I guess I want to tell them I'm going to try. And if I do, they should be scared." He left the stage with weak knees and shaking breaths. But that was okay, it wasn't anywhere close to being over.

Last Edit: Feb 20, 2020 21:01:26 GMT -5 by [nyte]

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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 20, 2020 22:56:31 GMT -5

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Post by fireflyz on Feb 20, 2020 22:56:31 GMT -5

After what felt like an eternity, Banana finally stepped away so Sarina could see herself in the full-length mirror. The brilliant lights of the room glinted off of the thin film of tears clouding her eyes, but that was merely another part of her body that sparkled for the Capitol's enjoyment. She preened and smiled when the stylists asked her to, but when she didn’t have anything to do she simply observed, having resorted back to the tired state she had been in when she rode the train into the Capitol.

Dark green was a nice change from the vibrant outfits she and Alfonso had worn during the parade, with the names of their family members adorning their bodies. Sarina felt more at ease swishing around in her evening gown than she had with Gabe’s name stitched over her heart. It was ironic that she carried a piece of her brother with her everywhere she went but couldn’t bear to stand before the nation and announce it.
Interviews were a chance for Sarina to finally say something in her own words - without crying, or shouting, or writing it on herself. She could only hope that it went well.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our darling from District Eleven, Sarina Izar!"

The noise of the crowd punctuated each step she took onto the stage, nestling herself in the armchair across from Caesar Flickerman’s. For a moment, she studied his face and wondered how old he actually was.

"I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade," Flickerman said with his trademark lilt. "Tell us what you were feeling out there!”

"Nauseous, honestly," Sarina responded with a slight laugh. She didn’t say that it was because of the outfits. "It was so much excitement."

"I bet it was! That was certainly quite the show. Now, how confident do you feel about the Games now that you’ve seen your training score?"

She imagined herself in front of the suite television once more, a five flashing next to her portrait on the screen. Her anger had ebbed by then, and she simply muttered, "It could have been worse." All she could do was roll with it.

"Guess the Gamemakers weren’t very impressed by me," Sarina said coolly, crossing one leg over the other. "It’s fine, though. There’s always time to prove myself."

As long as I live through the first day, she thought. The next few questions were mundane, asking about the other tributes and what impressed her most about the Capitol. The whole ordeal was exhausting, and she found herself wishing to be home again, talking to someone other than a Games announcer looking for a show.

"So, tell us. Beauty like you, is there a special someone back home?"

She let out a breath in surprise. "My family’s pretty damn special."

"Ah, yes. You wore their names during the parade."

"I did," she said.

"And Alfonso, he came here with you. Is he your brother?"

"He is." The crowd awwed, and Sarina loathed them for it.

"So, this must be a challenging time for you. Your family seems very close."

"They matter the most to me," she responded. "Other than my district."

She felt a strange grief overtaking her, not for her family, but for the life she had left behind. There was so much she had wanted to do. There was a college nearby that one of her family members had built, and she dreamt of possibly teaching there someday, or even in one of the schools for younger children. Not the clean Capitol-made history where the powerful were the saviors of Panem, but the version that celebrated the people of the districts. She wanted to be in Uncle Vasco’s place on stage in the District Square, leading Eleven through triumphs and tragedy. She wanted more, and now she would likely never have it.

Flickerman learned forward, and Sarina thought he was trying to conceal a cat-like grin as if he’d caught her somewhere.

"What is it that you’ll be fighting for in that arena? What is it that you want to go home to?"

It was a cruel question. Going home meant Alfonso wouldn’t. The Izars would still be shattered. Life after the Games, no matter how accomplished, would still be miserable. So she said the only thing that made sense to her then.

"Freedom."

"And what a noble cause it is. Well, that’s all we have time for, folks. Give it up for Sarina Izar!"

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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 21, 2020 15:35:22 GMT -5

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Post by goat on Feb 21, 2020 15:35:22 GMT -5

I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?

They had thought the weird patterns draped over their body were funny. Every few inches was a new design, some colors regal, some unbearably neon. They had caught a glimpse of themself in a mirrored building after the parade and laughed— it was so easy to laugh at themself when everything else felt so ridiculous.

In response to the question, which they had left hanging in the air for too long, they smiled and gave Caesar a thumbs up.

How confident do you feel about the games now that you've seen your Training Score?

Another thumbs up. A two was much more generous than they had been expecting. They supposed it meant that the Gamemakers had some minimal, insignificant faith in them. Maybe.

What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?

All of the other tributes had been kind to them. They knew all that kindness would end as soon as the countdown ended tomorrow, so they refused to indulge in any of it, but still, it was nice to have while it lasted. They gave Caesar a shrug and left it at that.

What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here?

Oh, so the interview was continuing? Eloise had hoped it would get cut short, considering they had no snarky one-liners to provide. Besides, they had already proven they had no worth to sponsors, so what was the point?

They wanted to sigh, but instead they just leaned back in their seat and gestured to Caesar.

He seemed pleased by that answer.

Tell us what a typical day in your shoes is like back home. Do you work? Do you have any hobbies or secret talents?

Finally. An excuse to plug the only thing they cared about. They moved their hands and pretended to play a bass. Caesar mistook it for a guitar, so they shook their head and gestured for him to focus on their hands, fingers carefully plucking at the invisible strings.

He still didn’t get it.

What about romance? Cute as you are, I bet there is someone back home waiting, right?

Eloise lurched forward and laughed. That was the funniest thing they had heard all week. Romance? Really? They weren’t the type of person that people wanted to date.

And your family. Sensitive subject, I'm sure, but... could you tell us about them?

There was only their sister. They poked at the spot in the middle of their chest, where their heart was hidden under layers of skin and muscle, and left it at that.

I want to know: What is it that you'll be fighting for in that arena? What is it you want to get back home to?

They weren’t fighting for anything. Not love, not family, not freedom, anything. They didn’t even know if they were going to fight. That was a decision they would save until the last possible second. Was it even worth fighting to protect something— themself— that wasn’t worth keeping alive? That had nothing to contribute? They didn’t know. They weren’t a philosopher.

I'm afraid we're almost out of time. Parting words to the crowd? The tributes? Your friends and family back home?

They held out their hand in a rock-n-roll shape and waved it around.

That was that, they supposed.

turn soft and lovely any time you have a chance.

✨ zozo.
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bloomtodeath

84th Tribute Interviews Feb 21, 2020 17:42:12 GMT -5

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Post by ✨ zozo. on Feb 21, 2020 17:42:12 GMT -5

JULIET MONAGHAN.

"Please welcome to the stage Juliet Monaghan, the last lady of the night!"

I keep thinking about Noah. How she would have barely made it this far. How she would have had to sit on this couch, in front of all these strangers, not being able to say a word. How our interviewer would of furrowed their brow and craned their neck awkwardly and the crowd would of laughed at her, yelled at her, how she would of been punished for simply being herself.

Taking a seat in her place, I feel a little more selfless. A little bit better with my decision.

"Thanks," I smile. Lie. Sell it. You've been selling lies all your life. Jamie in my head - he never leaves.

But I did. I left.

For Noah, for Noah, for Noah.

"Call me Jules."

"Jules, I like it! So, Jules - our volunteer. I must say that moment when you volunteered for your sister just touched all of our hearts. What bravery! What an honour!"

"Thank you," I place my palm on my own chest, mirroring theirs - heart pounding underneath my fingertips, I wonder if they can all hear it thundering in my ribcage. "My sister is my best friend. All my siblings are. I couldn't chance her not coming home, you know?"

My voice cracks, don't worry. It'll help. Not too much.

"They need her, and she needs them."

"You'll be fighting to return home to them, I'm sure."

"Oh yes," a warning sign to the other tributes, "I'd do anything for my family." I can feel the fire rise up from my core into my eyes as I look at the camera. Careful, warns Jamie. Easy, easy-

The crowd ooohs and awhhs, my fingers twitch. Nico better give me a drink after this, I deserve it.

"A little birdie tells me you have lots of siblings, is that correct?"

"It is!" another smile to the crowd, back to the camera, "I have seven siblings. There's eight of us. I'm in the middle, fourth oldest. Or youngest?"

"Both?"

"Both," a little laugh. I can do this. I can do this.

"I know we've only got you for a little longer, Jules, but humour us for a moment. The Capitol - do you like it?"

"Oh," Lie. "Of course! The clothes and the things you have here. The food - so much food - I feel very spoiled."

Lie better.

"Well we have been spoiled for choice here in the Capitol with Twelve's victors - any advice they've given you that you can share with us?"

"Apart from trying to join them?" They like that. I smile with the crowd. I can do this. I can lie.

"Remember where you came from. Remember who you're fighting for. My family. My sister."

They told me to sell it, so I try. I think they've bought it, judging by the bopping heads in the crowd.

"I'm afraid we're out of time but Juliet - Jules - thank you for joining us this evening. Let's give it up for Juliet Monaghan, sister of the year - wouldn't you folks want her as a sister, yes?"

"Thank you all!"

I need a goddamn drink.

“and men said that the blood of the stars flowed in her veins.”

thompson harvard - d2b - arc
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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 21, 2020 19:00:13 GMT -5

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Post by thompson harvard - d2b - arc on Feb 21, 2020 19:00:13 GMT -5

{ angel mo }

angel mo
district twelve
seventeen

I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?

"You know, I think I was pretty comfortable. Not exactly confident, because I could've looked rather crazy, but I think we looked amazing. The aesthetic of our outfits really captured the split divide in District 12, and my part of the outfit fit my name rather well."

How confident do you feel about the games now that you've seen your Training Score?

"Well, they're not the people that I have to kill/survive in order to win. I don't care."

What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?

"Admittedly, I haven't talked to too many of the tributes. I don't see a point in making a connection with many of the people here if they're going to die."

What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here?

"The fact that there's other shades of other colors than just brown and white. That's all I've seen in District 12 if you excuse the escort."

And your family. Sensitive subject, I'm sure, but... could you tell us about them?

"Well, you guys have already met my sister before. Her name is Hellion, she was in the 80th. Part of the group of tributes that died but came back. She moved out and is with her girlfriend now. My dad's a coal worker, my mom's a medic, or at least as close as you can get for one in District 12."

I want to know: What is it that you'll be fighting for in that arena? What is it you want to get back home to?

"I originally volunteered to try and show my sister up, because some childish sense overcame me to turn me into a challenger. However, now, it's for my family. It's to prove that just because Hellion of all people couldn't that I can."

D6f Carmen Cantelou [aza]
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84th Tribute Interviews Feb 22, 2020 9:33:24 GMT -5

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Post by D6f Carmen Cantelou [aza] on Feb 22, 2020 9:33:24 GMT -5

There are lots of lights around the stage. Blinding, almost, except they manage to illuminate my body in its entirety; I could probably open my mouth and a strobe light would extend from between my teeth. I could try to bite it contain the sunshine burst but it would somehow push its way out. Because they have ensured there is no room for darkness here—and I'm happy about that—but the Hunger Games is not about being happy.

My eyelashes are curled, my zip is zipped, my hair is fluffed, my makeup is set, my eyes are wide but somehow, my hands are still cold. Despite the light, the nerves manage to break me into a cold sweat between my fingers and the stylist begs that I stop wiping my hands on this dress but it's all I can do. There aren't any tissues because the risk analysis would put it likely one would get stuck to a shoe as a tribute left after being introduced by Caesar. I shake my hands around, but then it's too late—so I wipe my hands on the dress, receive a tut from the stylist and head on stage.

"Please welcome, Annemie Yille from District Six!" Flickerman's voice seems supersonic and manages to cause the audience to roar with applause. I dawdle into the seat from the sidelines, giving an awkward smile and wave out to the people. Teddy Ursa said that this adventure did not allow for happy endings—so I don't let myself get too comfortable, because these next few moments could be suicide before I've even entered the arena.

"I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?" His words are scripted and I've heard the question be said to all the tributes who have come before me. He's robotic in motion almost, and when he looks at me with those large, knowing eyes, I feel rather intimidated. Because he sees someone who's odds are against her, and if the weight of the world wasn't enough, then surely the piercing stare of someone who could make or break me would be. I sit anxiously—I had prepared an answer for all the questions whilst waiting for my turn, but I don't want to look prepared. I don't want to look ready.

"Nervous," I say bluntly, "it's scary when so many people are watching." Yet it would be something I'd have to get used to.

"How confident do you feel about the games now that you've seen your Training Score?" I shuffle my legs onto the chair to sit cross-legged to try and stop my left leg from shaking. It's probably a nervous twitch.

"Nervous. I'm not sure I want to check my score," I tried to do something to impress the gamesmakers, sure, but the logistics of recreating what can be done when you are alone with every object, weapon, person at your fingertips in a games scenario is highly difficult. Though scoring highly did create obvious benefits out of the games; it would surely make it easier for Teddy to sell me to potential sponsors if they could see potential in me that wasn't there before. "I just tried to show them that I'm here and that I'm present. Teddy said that we have to prove everyone wrong—so, um, yeah."

"What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?"

"They seem nice. They're people, people are usually nice. It's just quite hard to get to know people, though... interesting is a fair word." Friendship is difficult to forge at the best of times, let alone when you're expected to kill each other within days. I've always found it hard to trust under any circumstances, because letting someone get their foot in your door means they won't leave. What if they saw the darkness and got scared? What if it got them, too?

"What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here?" Really, there were many things: the food is so flavourful and succulent, the bedsheets are so soft, the air feels so clear that I can forget about how thick it usually feels.

"How bright everything is. The lights and colours are so vibrant, it's all so pretty. It's so full of life."

I stare out into the audience and the spotlights feel larger than ever before, the light that extends from them filling the room and threatening to take the roof off. I smile shyly at it, because it feels somewhat safe, as if there's no room for emptiness at all, because the space is occupied by something—anything. I suppose that's what happens when money isn't an object.

"I'm afraid we're almost out of time. Parting words to the crowd? The tributes? Your friends and family back home?" To which I shake my head. Because silence and I have a strange relationship, and it's becoming a strange addiction. I've realised that it doesn't have to always be empty when nobody speaks, when you can hear your pulse like it leads a marching band. Silence can be powerful, it can be the loudest thing someone will hear.

Caesar arches his brow and gestures for an applause after a few seconds of inescapable silence. And then I trundle off the stage in the same awkward fashion I have walked on with. I can still hear the silence ringing in my ear, and I wonder if giving it that much room to breathe was a good idea.

There was no sight of darkness—but I start to think that I was blinded by the lights.