83rd Tribute Interviews

[umber vivuus 12b 🥀 [dars]]

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 83rd Hunger Games, tributes who post their interviews will receive 250 dollars in sponsorship, as well as a pair of Fabric Scissors*.

Completed Interviews:

1f Ridley Le Roux
1m Torren Jaroux
2f Delaney Youngblood
2m Ubbe Hammerfell
3f Charisma Duke
3m Curtus Dolor
4f Bell Hailsham
4m Cole Hailsham
5f Penelope Marcet
5m Tommy O’Kelly Jr
6f Rabbit Liddell
7m Vargen Forrester
8f Laurel Rasoio
8m Reyes Calvo
9f Slate Rothul
9m Fangor Redtail
10f Maggie Mae
11f Asari Rhodes
11m Milo Miloslavsky
12f Prismarine Cobble


Incomplete Interviews:

6m Kirk
7f Sapphire DeCaria
10m Efram Hyde
12m Reggie Blume

* Fabric scissors can be used once per day to cut clothing into 5 ft of bandages. Clothes do not have to be in a tribute's inventory; they may use the clothes they are wearing.

[*]

Name: Prismarine Lapis Cobble
District: 12
Age: 12

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

"Oh, definately confident. A 12 year old wearing bones, I think it's a sign of power. Not to mention, I looked badass." Pris looks to him and covers her mouth with a hoity grin. "Am I allowed to say that? O'well. My stylist really looked beyond what district 12 is and looked to what it could be. What I could be. I can only hope that one day, I might be able to slay like them and create such wonderous outfits. Wearing their outfits, who wouldn't be confident?"


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

"They are okay. I am just a twelve year old, and.." Prismarine shrugs, hiding her eyes for a moment. "Everyone is intimidating. I didn't think I'd be the only young one. I have found a few of the older tributes to be role models that I'd like to look up to soon."

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

"The train ride was the most impressing thing to me. Not sure why, but I loved the ride. Maybe it was the anticipation to come where my favorite cousin was before she went into the games, Red Stone? I looked up to her. I just want to make her proud of me." Prismarine mocks a sadness, dipping her head down while her heart hammers beneath her chest with excitement.

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

"A typical day in my house is being under the watchful eye of my big brother and learning everything he has to teach me. While we don't have much food or stuff at the house, he makes sure that we are never go without and he teaches me everything he knows."

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

"Ew! Definately not. PLease, I'm only twelve. That's so gross." She shrugs her shoulders and smiles for the camera.

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

"Mom and dad do what they can and work, but Soul and Red were my role models. Red was someone I looked up to as a female role model and she only wanted the best for me and made sure that no one hurt me. I already mentioned a moment ago, but Soul is my savior. Without him, I wouldn't have made it to where I was with the confidence to stand here and try to make sure we never go hungry again. I love you, Soul. Please, don't forget me. I'll never forget you." Her eyes well up and she covers her face with her hands while no tears actually fall. Instead, foreign sobs escape her lips. It takes a minute, but she pretends to wipe away tears that didn't exist.

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?

"For Red, bless ripred. And for Soul, I want them to be proud of me."

I'm afraid we're almost out of time. Parting words?

"I just want to stay here longer with the people of the capitol. It's such a wonderful place and I'm sad that I don't get to enjoy it longer. Thank you for letting me come here and make an impression for all the younger girls. Be brave and stand up for what you believe in."

[✨ zozo.]

slate • 15 • d9

"Let's give a warm welcome to Slate Rothul of District Niiiiiiiiiiiiiine!"

The crowd roars and I almost fall over in heels. Fuck knows how anyone walks in these, all off-balance and stomping across the stage like a.... well, I don't know, like a person that doesn't know how to walk.

There's thousands of em, more people than I've ever seen in my life. All clapping and cheering, and it's almost overwhelming. I just stop and stare at 'em, gawping, Caesar has to grab my hand and tug me onto the couch and by the time my butt hits my seat they're laughing - I'm entertaining.

So I grin, and laugh back. 

"Slate, Slate, Slate!" Caesar begins, and I nod with every syllable. "Impressed with the turn-out?"

"Uhhhhhhh," all I can think about his how fucking shiny his teeth are. "Yeah. Lots of.... people?"

"And they're all here to see you!" he cries, pointing from the people to my face and they cheer at that - I'm used to lots of people yelling, but not for me. Usually at me. Usually threatenin' to kill me. Ha!

How utterly bizzare this whole thing is, huh?

"What's been your favourite part of the Capitol so far?" he asks, and I spit out the first thing that comes to mind. "I... I think they're called barbecue wings?"

Howled laughter, almost as terrifying as my own, erupts from Casear and I blink wide-eyed, dumbstruck and sheepish. It's been years since I've sat down to talk just for the sake of talking - not planning, not recounting a story, not spilling secrets. Guess it's written all over my face that I've got no clue how to handle this so he takes the lead of conversation. Thank fuck he asks me an easy question next.

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

"Clean!" I say without hesitation, wide-eyed and my smile too big. I'm not lying, they scrubbed my skin so raw in the hours before that I thought I'd turn pink. The crowd laughs at my answer, and I laugh back - a few hurried breaths, and Caesar asks "Was it tribute to your mentor, Colgate? We used to call him Soap back in the day, didn't we people?"

The crowd nods, and I nod with them. That suffices Caesar, on to the next, he asks me about my surname. "Rothul," he jeers, testing the sound in his mouth as he leans toward me. "That's an interesting last name. Common in District Nine?"

"Wouldn't know," I shrug. "I stole it from someone."

They like that, delightfully entertained with my honest. "Stole it?" asks Caesar, brows furrowed and curious. "From who?"

I press a finger to the middle of my lips and smile, hoping Seb is watching right now. Smug son of a bitch, bet he's swearing at the television as I speak. 

"So, if you didn't get it from your family..."

"Nope," I sigh, (this is getting dull) swinging my legs like a child, "Don't have one of those."

The crowd awhs, faux sympathy and hands on their hearts. 

"Don't need one."

"But you must have friends, Slate? People back home you care for?"

"Well," I muse, drumming my fingers on the plush fabric of the couch, bored already and hungry for drama. "Yeah. I got friends. More enemies than friends but..."

And then I turn to the crowd and wink, "I prefer enemies."

Caesar howls at that. "Don't let your fellow tributes hear that Slate!" he warns playfully. "Surely there's some that are intimidating? Interesting, even?"

"Nah," I shrug, rolling my eyes - the others, ugh. "They're all boring, Mister Caesar."

"Can't take a joke?" he suggests, and I nod - because although he has extremely shiny teeth and all, he's not wrong. "Can't take a joke!"

Or a shoe to the back of the head, I think, biting my lip at the memory.

"But do you think you're entertaining, Slate?" he asks, a final question before my time is up.

"Oh yeah" I smile, mania boiling in my chest. "I'm entertaining alright. You'll see."

And then I laugh.

[Baby Wessex d9b [earthling]]

Name: Milo Miloslavsky
District: 11
Age: 18

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

Milo rolled his eyes and then suctioned his lips to the microphone as he spoke. "Of course I'm confident. Why wouldn't I be? I have the best mentor team in the Districts. Or didn't you hear? We're manufacturing Victors now in District Twelve. Coal was just so last season." He offered his patented shit-eating grin.



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

"No comment. Unless one of them said something about me? No? That's a shame."



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

"The complete lack of empath -" His microphone cut out, squealing, the sound reverberating in his earpiece. He cringed, cleared his throat. "Sorry. What I was saying is, I'm most impressed by the lack of ennui. Everything is just so incredibly satisfying. It's unbelievable, truly."



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

"Sometimes I pick up a shift at the canning factory with my mom. I do a lot of the household chores too since both my parents work and all my siblings have moved out - finally. Took one of my brothers until his twenty-ninth birthday, if you can believe it. What else did you ask about? Hobbies? Talents? Sure, why not? I'm full of surprises. You can bet on me." He pounded his chest for emphasis.



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

"Sure. But she's always been too good for me, so it's probably a good thing I ended up here."



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

He sighed, slumping into his chair. "It's not an interesting story. I have a metric ton of older siblings. My parents really love each other, which is cute until it's not. My next oldest siblings is six years older than me, so really, I'm like this weird youngest-only hybrid. My siblings would tell you that I live up to my name, and to them I say:" he paused. Straightened. Looked right into the camera lens. "My name is Milo, just like you, you fuckers."



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?

"My life. I shouldn't have to justify it to anyone, least of all you." Somehow, he still grinned the same grin, even though he meant every word.



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

"Finally!" He tucked his feet under his knees and stood up on the couch, leaping as he yelled, "thanks for nothing!" And then walked off the stage.

[kap]

Name: Fangor Redtail
District: Nine
Age: Eighteen

---

"Let's welcome District Nine's Fangor Redtail to the stage!" Caesar's voice boomed over the crowd through his microphone. Applause erupted from the crowd as he introduced me. The tuxedo that my stylist had put me in had a crimson red jacket and black slacks. The shiny black dress shoes I was in were rather uncomfortable, but I suppose they wanted me to give up comfort for style. I had on a bow tie that was the same crimson red as my tuxedo jacket and the dress shirt I had on underneath the jacket was the same jet black as my slacks. To top it all off, I had a black rose pinned above my left breast pocket. This was one of the fanciest outfits I'd ever worn in my entire life, right up there with the pearl-embellished suit they put me in for the tribute parade.

"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's first question was one that I could answer quickly and honestly, or that I could answer by flat out lying to the Capitol. I decided to go with the latter, since it'd sound better than just telling him that the stupid outfit made me feel like an idiot and some sort of Capitol toy.

"It was quite the thrill, Casear," I told him. "Having the wonderful people of the Capitol cheering as we rode by was an amazing feeling!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

"Now, Fangor," he continued. "What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here?" This was a question I could answer with honesty and ease.

"Oh, the food, for sure. It's all so delicious, and there's so much of it! It's better than any food I'd ever had before, and I certainly won't be passing up any of it that's offered to me while I'm here!" The talk of food had gotten me a bit excited, as well as a bit hungry again. There was laughter from the crowd and then Caesar moved on to the next question.

"The food here certainly is delicious! Now, tell us what a typical day in your shoes is like back home. Do you work? Do you have any hobbies or secret talents?"

My heart skipped a beat when he asked this, but the smile I had remained on my face just a bright as it had been through the whole interview so far. I didn't like talking about how I'd lived at home, but I wasn't going to completely lie, again, either, like I had with one of the other questions he'd asked me.

"Well, Caesar," I said to him. "To be entirely honest with you, I lived on the streets by myself back home in Nine. Well, by myself aside from my pet bird, Tobias. It wasn't much of a life to be excited about, which is part of why I volunteered to be here. I wanted to spice things up a bit."

Caesar nodded and there was a collective 'awww' from the audience.

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

I chuckled a bit in response to what Caesar said.

"Nope," I responded to him. "I can't say I've really found anyone interested in me like that before."

Caesar quickly moved on to the next question, as my answer to that one hadn't been all that exciting and caused some muttering in the audience.

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

I nodded. I hated talking about my family, but I supposed that doing so may gain me some pity from the Capitol's people and perhaps gain me a sponsor or two.

"I never met my mother, but my father and I were pretty close until I was twelve. That's when he was killed." I didn't add 'in front of me' because I felt that that may have been a little too much to share. "After that, I was passed back and forth between my divorced aunt and uncle for a while until they couldn't take care of me anymore and I ended up living on my own."

Again, muttering from the audience and a look of displeasure from Caesar. He, again, moved quickly to the next question.

"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?" He asked me, likely with hope that I'd come up with an answer he may like a little better.

"I want to come back home to a better life, and, as a victor, I could do just that. I'd have the money I needed to get me off the streets and change my life for the better."

This actually got some applause from the crowd, which meant that this interview was starting to turn back around again. At least, I hoped so. He concluded with one last question.

"I'm afraid we're almost out of time. Parting words to the crowd? The tributes?" He asked me this with a bit of cheer in his voice, as if he were glad the interview with me was almost done. That, or he was just a cheery man who liked talking to those who had a one in twenty-four chance of survival in an upcoming death match between teens.

"I know you might not like me, but I'm not here to be liked. I'm here to change my life into what I want it to be."

The crowd erupted in applause like they had when I'd first come out for my interview, Caesar thanked me, and I exited the stage.

table by Ryan

[napoleon, d2m ₊⊹ 🐁 ɢʀɪғғɪɴ.]

there's blood on your lies
the scars open wide
there is nowhere for you to hide
the hunter's moon is shining

There was a humming in my throat again—
moth-wings aflutter against the bones there.

It is the heartbeat of my gods, I mused, they are here with me. The thought made the fluorescence upon my skin a tad less colder and, with chin jutted out, backbone straightened like the tall shaft of spear, mouth shaped to its brightest smile, I ushered myself onto Caesar’s stage.

The crowd was dark; only I glowed, bathed in luminescence: a grey star nestling itself inside a sprawling cosmos, a winter sun that all the withering flower-heads had yearned for.

“Vargen Forrester,” Caesar greeted, turning the syllables of my name over his tongue, savoring each individual sound first, the chorus of them second. He echoed, “Vargen Forrester.” There was more honey to his tone now—the mulled sweetness there to coax me for a wider smile.

I let it happen, taping a crescent moon to my mouth.

Molars shone like pebble-sized stars or comets;
a galaxy of garish colors swirled in my smile.

“So, tell us about yourself, Vargen,” he began, “our sources say that you volunteered for your family’s sake, is that true?” Caesar asked; the question a blade to the jugular, a spade to where my secrets laid buried. He was a hungry, blood-mouthed animal who had never known the cruelty of winters; his teeth snarled at me. “Yes,” I told him, plain and unembellished. His eyes urged me for more, digging in between my ribs for the secrets and the stories tucked there. It was a hunt in its rawest form; who would grow weary, who would be the prey, those eyes asked.

Not me, my own bore back into his.

“How so?” Caesar asked; I smiled.

“The Forresters, have a tradition: every sixty years, we offer our old gods a pure sacrifice, a soul that has never been blighted once. On the stone altar, they lay them and we dance—we cry—we revel before their throat is cut.” The glint of my father’s dagger as he unsheathed it was brought back to sharp focus by the words. A thumb absentmindedly traced the column of my throat, to feel the pulse that coursed underneath the tender skin there. The crowd quietened. “Blood feeds the gods more than any nectar or ambrosia can.”

“That is,” Caesar paused;

the room was a held breath, caught between veins and tendons, a dam about to burst or dry.

“Delightfully gruesome!”

Then, like water, the audience rippled as hands came together, clapping so raucously it sounded as though the world had broken apart at the seams. “I’d assume so,” my smile was a pleased thing, carved out of primal amusement. “I was given the chance to have my throat slit upon that altar, or volunteer in place of that boy, and find another throat to slit.” A pardoned massacre, my father’s words echoed, an innocent slaughter. “You can guess which one I chose, dear Caesar.”

“Are you scared to do it, Vargen?”

Scared. 

Scared. 

Scared, I wanted to ask him, hurl the word at his stout face as if it was a boulder. The path that laid bare and aureate before me was paved by my own hands, each cobblestone there because I’d set it there, each bend meticulously crafted. The bargain I’d stricken with my father was a dagger pressed against my throat. The fear I had was his disappointment, the god’s—it was not murder, not the spear-heads and the swords I would bury in the hearts of those who dared to cross my glorious path.

“No,” the word flowed from my smiling mouth, with not the grace of water, but the sharpness of blood.

i'm running with the wolves tonight
i'm running with the wolves
i'm running with the wolves tonight
i'm running with the wolves


lyrics: aurora — running with the wolves

[d9 kristof parks {ems}]

Name: Asari Rhodes
District: Eleven
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?

"The team did a wonderful job putting it all together! I was both excited and nervous. Excited for the first true impression since it's the first time everyone gets a chance to see me together. Nervous because I was afraid of falling off the chariot and making a fool of myself.


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

"What about them? We're all people. Everyone has fears and anxieties, and sometimes that energy can pass from person to person. It's obvious we're never going to make friends with anyone here when only one of us can win. So what's the point? Just stay neutral and go with the flow and then go from there."


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

"The toilets. Seriously. Just hear me out, and maybe then you'll understand why they're so fascinating. I can just walk into another room and relieve myself instead of taking a bucket outside and finding a tree to hide behind."


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

"Well let's see. I wake up before sunrise, go to this apple orchard and work until the sunsets, and then I go home. But of course when I'm locked away in the privacy of my home, I make flower bouquets. More for funerals than anything. Sometimes I make them for weddings. I just want to make sure everyone has the send off they deserve. Everyone has a story, and they have served a purpose in the world, and I just want to make sure they get the ending every single person deserves. Hell, I'll even go to the cemeteries at night when most are sleeping and clean even the oldest of graves off. Nobody's deserves to be ruined. I care for people even those who are no longer with us."


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

"Yeah. I have someone. He's cute, and cuddly, and he comes to visit me every morning when I wake up because he wants breakfast, and then he greets me again when I get back home cause he's ready for dinner. I made the mistake of feeding him once, and since then I fell in love with him. He loves jumping in the grass and hiding and not answering when I call for him. He enjoys laying about and sunbathing. He's the only man I'll ever need, and I call him fluffy. He's the cutest rabbit you'll ever meet."

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

"Y'all know my family. They've been in the spotlight since Crusader was in the 68th games. You've grown up with them, but what I can say is that they're fiercely loyal. They're loving. Caring. Kind. Compassionate. They care about others more than anything in the world. You've only seen them in the games and various other times, but I know them. We've been through a lot, but we have each other. We're stronger together. We help each other. We learn from each other, and it helps us moving forward in everything. We don't have much, but as long as we continue to love and help one another, we're amongst the richest in the world because family can't be bought, and it runs much deeper than blood."


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?

"Family. It's all I have."


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

"I love you all no matter what."

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Name: Reyes Calvo
District: 8
Age: 18

I must say, your District made quite the splash at the Tribute Parade. Tell us what you were feeling up there! Confident, nervous, excited?
“We made such a splash? Didn’t you say that about the other seven Districts. I’ll be honest, I have seen the homeless of Eight with better fashion sense than my stylist. I just felt awkward and uncomfortable the entire time, smiling and waving is not me, I am sorry Capitol as I know you love that kind of thing.“

What about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?
“They are all very interesting for sure, intimidating entirely as they are all out to kill me. Irritating? One hundred percent irritating. They are all try hards, some seriously just need to calm down a bit, especially those careers.”

What has impressed you most about the Capitol since you've been here?
“Unlimited food and alcohol.”

Tell us what a typical day in your shoes is like back home. Do you work? Do you have any hobbies or secret talents?
“Well, how long is this interview for? My uncle forces me to be a cobbler, but it does not interest me, fitting shoes to the likes of you. No, I spend my nights smuggling items through the District. The usual activities for an eighteen-year-old boy in District Eight.”

What about romance? Cute as you are, I bet there is someone back home waiting, right?
“Yeah all the girls and guys that I have shared a bed with. I bet they are all cheering me on!”

And your family. Sensitive subject, I'm sure, but... could you tell us about them?
“I put a chair through their kitchen window before the reaping...they are truly loving.”

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 will be fighting for myself, I am pretty sure dying is not a great thing and Miss Shelby needs a neighbour in the victor's village...”

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

[goat]

delaney youngblood

Name: Delaney Youngblood
District: 2
Age: 17

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

“Honestly, Caesar? I felt the most beautiful I’ve ever felt. The stylists here know what they’re doing, that’s for sure. The mask was a little hard to see out of, but whatever, it was worth it. I think I rewatched the video of myself twenty times. Is that conceited?” She laughs, and the audience laughs, and she loves it.

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

“Some of them are pretty cool. Some of them...” She trails off, before making a face, a you-know-what-I-mean face. “Let’s just say, some of us are more suited for this type of thing than others.”

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

“The training facilities, for sure. I mean, no offense to Two, but the training center is absolutely incredible. I think I’ve put my hand on every type of weapon known to man.”

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

“Well, I go to school, like any other teenager, and then I go train. I don’t really have much of a social life. Whatever time I have is taken up by training. I guess you could say I’m a little prepared for this.”

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

“Sadly, there isn’t. I know, I know. It’s kind of tragic. Don’t worry, I’m sure girls will be throwing themselves at my feet when I get back.” She flips her hair to polish off the joke and tries not to let the cheers of the audience go to her head.

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

“I’m a triplet, actually. My brothers, Kelly and Rory… they’re my best friends. We’ve all been working really hard for an opportunity like this, and I guess I was the one lucky enough to get it. I also have an older sister. She’s the toughest person I know.” She stays silent about her parents, and she hopes they take notice of that. “I know my siblings are proud of me. I mean, I hope they are!”

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?

“What won’t I be fighting for? My family, my home, my pride— there’s so much. It would take too long to name.”

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

She smiles, teeth bright against her dark lipstick. “This one’s for Two. I’ll see you guys soon.”

[eulalie blake 1a 🍒 tris]

name: penelope marcet
district: five
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 tuck a dark strand of hair behind my ear, smiling brightly at the crowd. My dress flows down my legs like liquid silk, and there are rose petals against my skin. This place shouldn't feel like home, but it does. I belong on the stage; I have always been dancing with death. "Let's say that I was enchanted by the experience." I wave my fingers in the air for dramatic effect, the spotlight catching glitter as it falls. "By the Capitol, by the audience, by you. Your outfit is to die for, Caesar." I look back at the audience, a playful smirk on my lips. "Do I get your stylist after I win?"

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

"I'm interested in everyone, always. How else can I amuse myself?" I lean forward, excitement buzzing around me. "I love a good story, Caesar, and there are so many stories here." My laugh is dry as I look over my shoulder at my enemies, turning back with a downward glance and a slow shrug. "Some more dull than others, and all on the last chapter. Pity."

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

"Oh, please, don't make me gush." I slap Caesar's thigh gently, pursing my lips into a small smirk. "Do you want me to be starstruck, darling? Will you catch me if I swoon?" I run my fingers through my hair, enjoying the softness, and I savor the aftertaste of cherries on my tongue. "My praise isn't needed. This place, the people, you already know how amazing you are." I blow a kiss, plastic catches the light. Maybe it's me. "I love you all."

"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 don't believe in that word, Caesar. Typical." I say it like I've just taken a shot of hard liquor, disgust washing across my features. "I never live the same day twice. That's the mark of a performer." I rise to my feet and move behind my chair, bare back pressed to the cool wood, and then I lift my legs and slowly bend my body over the seat. I move seductively, like the silence in the room has a rhythm only I can hear. When I come back down to the ground, I turn quickly and cross my legs. There's not a smudge or a wrinkle. "You'll see my talents in the arena. I don't mind a little kill and tell."

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

My expression falters, for a moment, when I think of Jackson; back in Five, in the ring, without me. I have to push the memory away, the warmth of his hands holding mine. I leave him in the Justice Building, again, and I swear that I will return. I will always swear it. "Kiss and tell, Caesar, is an entirely different subject. Visit me tonight and bring a bottle of champagne if you want to know."

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

This time, my features betray none of my emotions. I have already wrung my consciousness of regrets, my soul of longing. I tell myself that I want for nothing, but there is something. And it is not my mother, or my father. A crown can not love me back, and it comes soaked in blood, but I am content with that price. I choose to live. "Oh, Caesar, this is my family now." I focus my attention on the crowd, not sparing a glance for my fellow tributes. "I never want to leave you." My hand closes over my heart, and the beat is steady. "I promise to return."

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

My fists tighten at my sides, a rush of adrenaline flowing through my veins. There has always been a restlessness in me, an overwhelming urge to run. To survive. I am cautious, as if I have the right to be; wrapped in furs and walking across a tightrope. I am not the kind of woman that the little people root for, so I scream my own name. My shoulders brush the clouds and I don't even shiver from the cold. "For myself." The response comes naturally, without theatrics. "I'm fighting for myself, Caesar, and I'm coming home for me."

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

I stand up and reach for Caesar's hand, running a thumb along the smooth skin. He smells like a garden in spring, like the ripest fruit in the orchard, and that is the kind of excess that I thrive for. I want to be more than I need to be; I need more than I could ever want. I smile sadly, looking back to the audience. "You'll have your show." And then I start to leave, walking briskly to the waiting quarters and pausing at my seat. "And to the tributes, well," I lower myself against the plush cushion and clasp my hands together on my lap. "Break a leg."

[Kire]

Name: Curtus Dolor
District: Three
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?"

"Pretty comfortable actually, not much different from what I normally wear." His smile is practiced, but can't hide the indifference in his eyes. He doesn't like being up here, and he doesn't like Caesar Flickerman. "The neon was new for me, though." Caesar laughs like this is funny, "definitely a bold statement!"

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

"Mostly been ignoring them, honestly. Not like they're boring but I just don't have time right now." He had to learn as much as he could right now. He didn't want to die right away so he had to learn how to survive. It was no surprise that the careers would be better than him and maybe some of the others too. Better to prepare than try to compare himself. Caesar doesn't quite know how to take him but he tries to smile boldly through the moment. "Busy training I take it!" It's not a question but Curt nods anyway, just to keep things moving.

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

"The music." Caesar pauses for a moment as he digests this. Most people say something about the food or the view or try to pretend apathy in the face of the grandness of the Capitol. Music wasn't an oft-mentioned aspect. He bounces back with a beaming smile and a grandiose laugh. "A musician, are we?! Enjoy listening to different variations than what you hear back home?" Curt nodded. Flickerman hadn't quite hit the mark but it was a much closer guess than he usually made.

"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 play guitar, I guess. Made money off it a couple times." The crowd seems enchanted by this, or so Flickerman states. It was a fact of life for Curt, just another way to get himself closer to never having to see his step-father again. Guess he didn't have to worry about that anymore.

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

He didn't even bother answering, he simply shook his head. Caesar shook his head right back, sure that there was someone. He insisted on the question, prodding. "I never really gave much thought to getting into a commitment."

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

"Not much to tell. My step-father is an asshole and a coward and my mother is a witch who always takes his side." There is a momentary hitch in the crowd's mood as they try to figure out how to feel about his words. Do they condemn him for his harsh judgements or do they pity him for his hurt. He just wanted to be done here.

"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 don't really know if I want to go back home. There isn't really anything for me there." He shrugged, unattached. "'cept my guitar, I guess." The crowd awws, their pity overtaking their previous hesitation. Caesar gives him the most practiced sympathetic look Curt had ever seen before heading on to wrap up the interview.

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

His nose scrunches slightly as he turns to face the camera. "I hope you die before I do, Paul." Caesar and the audience are trying to figure out who Paul is but they already know. Besides, what mattered was that Paul knew who he was and what he had done. Curt really did hope that he outlived his step-father, even if that was a fruitless endeavor. Paul would probably spend the rest of his life being an asshole and Curt would only have the next few days. Still, fuck him, and fuck them all.

[Arrows]

Torren Jaroux
District 1
17

    His voice is like the shrill scream of a banshee across a sea of shattering glass. Foreign faces of porcelain and falsity fill his world with wails of exhilaration. Despite the smile you are placing perfectly upon your face, there isn't even an ounce of genuine joy beneath your skin. This final facade is nothing more than the last barricade before the life you were sworn into by your tongue. Alas though, it cannot be avoided. 

    "May I present to you the male tribute from District One, Torren Jaroux!"

    Can they see through the shallowness of your smile? Definently not, they are too busy screaming to notice. Their fascination for the lambs they slaughter is almost putrid, inhumane. You avoid Caesar's hand by swooping up the entirety of his body with your arms. One huge hug that sends the audience into another cascade of cheers. The frailer man seems beyond flustered as you set him down and settle into your seat.

    "Well, that was... unexpected. But, thank you?"

    Ripples of laughter follow his response to your actions. You wait for the real questions to come crawling forth from his painted lips. However, he starts off with something easy. You know it's a face to try to catch you off guard for what is to follow, but the question must still be answered. 

    "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 lean back into your chair bringing one leg up onto your knee and folding each of your hands behind your head.

    "I felt at home, I've always been good at making an entrance."

    Several sets of ooo's and whistles follow your words and you share a small wink with the audience. Within the short frenzy that follows your facial choice, you revel in how easy these porcelain people are to play with. You're just happy they aren't the ones you'll live your new life next to. 

    "Yes, so it seems. Now, what about the other tributes? Intimidating? Interesting? Irritating?"

    You take this chance to stare out directly towards the camera, towards the other souls aboard this ship with you. 

    "All of the above. Some are irritating, maybe a couple that are intimidating, and most importantly a select several that really are interesting to me. I hope to get the opportunity to understand them more in the arena."

    Again another audible reaction ripples through the crowd as they try to decipher your words. Yet, it doesn't matter what conclusions they concoct, the words weren't meant for them. By tomorrow this city of glass will be nothing but a piece of your past, the past you are letting burn in the fires of your rebirth.

    "I'd like to continue now to another serious note, you're a volunteer of course. But why? How did your family take it? Are they proud, sad? Tell us Torren."

    Your smile slips to a small smirk, barely visible. You figured this question would find you tonight, so you face it with truth and a shrug. 

    "Well, both of my parents are dead along with most of my family. We have a genetic condition, I, have a genetic condition. I'm here to tell Fate to fuck off. As for the others back in One, they'll live." You turn towards the audience now with an even more sinister smirk of ice. "Until they don't."

    Bouts of gasps and flurries of gestures ignite across the audience and even Caesar seems aghast by such a statement. However, he's probably more pissed that you just cursed. Oh well, let the world see the boy you leaving behind, and the one being born in his place. You offer a final wave before bringing Caesar in for a second hug and exiting towards your true tomorrow. 
    

[mat]

maggie mae.

Name: Maggie Mae
District: Ten
Age: Sixteen

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

“Well, I was feeling really, denim blue if you catch my drift. It’s emotional, being in front of the entire world. Almost wanted to cry, Caesar. Not too sure why, but I just felt so attracted and interesting. The life here is perfect. It was a great introductory, I guess.”

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

“It’s just a number. Numbers mean nothing when we get down to the slaughter.” She bites her tongue. Probably not the best thing to say to make people feel good about her, but it’s hard to have optimism when slaughter is so clearly on the horizon.

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

“They’re all fine, I suppose. I’m more of a lone wolf, myself. Keep to my own. Not a great strategy, but who knows: it might just work.”

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

“The colors. Every color under the rainbow. It’s a big shift from District Ten, and it’s just.. very intriguing.”

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

“Lots of schoolwork. I’ve been trying to become something more in District Ten than my mom and dad and their families. As for secret talents, sarcasm and passive aggressiveness are two of my favorites. Always fun when there’s a pain or two in the ass around.”

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

“No, no. There’s never been an opportune time for that. Maybe in the future, though.” No. She has never loved anyone, and she isn’t sure she could ever start to try.

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

“I don’t really know, to tell you the truth. I loved them very much, but they’ve been gone for a long time. I miss them a lot, I guess. But I never officially said goodbye, ‘cause saying goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting.* I remember them, always, and I wish they could be here today. You know, to see how old and mature I’ve gotten.”

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’ll be fighting for all the lost boys and girls. Forgotten. I remember them, and I want to go back to them,” she refers to the orphanage for the first time in a long time with pride, hoping it might earn her some favor with the donors.

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

“There’s no need for parting words, Caesar. I’ll be back here soon enough,” her words hint that she plans to come back alive, but her body locks for a second, acknowledging the reality that it’ll most likely end up being her return in a body bag.

*quote from Peter Pan

[Noah Vau - D2 (Cato)]

Ubbe Hammerfell
cause you search for years
but you lose everything you find

"Ladies and gentlemen join me in welcoming Ubbe Hammerfell of district two to the stage!" My heart races with every step I take, but soon I'm on the stage listening to the applaud of the crowd gathered around. It's such a wonderful feeling knowing they're cheering for me. I'm smiling from ear to ear as I take a seat wondering what he has up his sleeve. He's known for making tributes look amazing, and I want him to help me gain the sponsorships I need in order to survive. Soon the crowd calms, and I can feel my nerves calming with them. I'm not afraid right now because I have to simply make myself look the best I possibly can. "Now that was quite the entrance, Ubbe. Even like the tribute parade. I must stay your team has done well. How were you feeling about that entrance in general?" My mind goes back to the moment. The feelings. Everything. It was a proud moment. Everything about it. I'm still smiling just thinking about the applause and everything. Lying can get someone far here, and even though I partially felt stupid and was worried, none of that matters now. "Super confident. I have faith in stylists and everyone else that they'd make me look the best I can. It was exciting letting all of Panem see me for the first time since the reaping. I've been dreaming of this moment for so long now, and it's nice to finally be here."

I'm feeling confident and alive and even as the crowd is roaring and applauding I'm sitting on top of the world. It's fun sitting here having the time of my life. I tried before, but my time was stolen away, but here I am today stronger than ever before. But soon the crowd is quiet, and I'm wanting to here them shout and cheer again. The silence is terrifying. "What are your thoughts on the other tributes?" I think of all of them. My fellow careers. The lower district tributes. I have nothing to fear from any of them. Nothing at all. Doesn't bother me the least bit. I'm more prepared than them. I've been fighting for this day. Sure there's twenty-four of us, but it's all good. I cock my head slightly to the left. "Oh they're nothing. Sure some of them think they're the greatest person to ever exist, but that doesn't bother me in the least bit." Its the truth. Plain and simple. Being honest is easy, and it seems like the crowd enjoys it too. But before they get too far into cheering another question is thrown. "What do you like most about the Capitol?" I hold back a chuckle. A lot of things are fancy here, sure, and some are even better than being at home, but the easiest answer is simple. The trainers are better. They're more capable of making sense of things. "The trainers for sure. So much better than back home." Maybe they can train them to do better. Maybe they can help them prepare district two better cause they're not doing well.

It seems I've hit mix emotions though. Some people are cheering while others are silent. I can tell I've hit a nerve, but that's okay. I smile anyway, but another question comes soon, and I'm ready to redeem myself. "What's a day like for you at home?" This is an easy question I reckon. I can simply answer with my every day life and just do what I want to do. Just have to be honest. "That's an easy question." I pause for a moment. "I love hanging out with my family, and sometimes I work at a little shop. I'm not the best at showing up on time, but I try. I mostly help around the home. It's never a boring day in the Hammerfell house." I can hear the cheering and shouting and it feels amazing. I love being here. I'm on my feet looking around, but I have to take a seat. I'm not done yet. It's hard to be still when all I want is to dance around with joy. I want to show off, but I can do that with my words. "Someone like you is bound to have a special someone at home, right?" My entire body tenses, and I'm unsure of what to say. I don't have anyway. I don't care for anyone other than my family. "No. I'm single." The crowd is all standing and they're all looking at me like pick me pick me, and I don't even know what to do anymore. I never felt like this before. I've always been different and just leaning on my family, but here I'm brave.

"What's your family like? We've seen a few of them. Are all of you the same?" In a way we are. I'm different though. We're all unique. We're individuals, but many don't see it that way. I'm not like mason or Orion or anyone else. I'm me, but I know what's the same, and that's what I'll let the world know. "We're a fierce bunch. We're loyal to those loyal to us. We fight hard. We're family oriented. We have a calling to prove ourselves like we've never done before." I speak for most of us. Mason. Orion. Torka. Ivar. Rhaegar. Me. All my family back home. We've all fought so hard for this, and I have to speak for them since I am here right now. The crowd is chanting, and I feel my heart leaping with every single beat. One day they'll see me with a crown upon my head. I'm all for this in every single way. "So what are you fighting for?" The question follows so closely with the other one, and it's the best thing to follow up with. I take a breath and look around. "To show that the Hammerfells are more than capable of succeeding. We've tried many times, and I want to get back home to my family showing we're capable of wearing a crown." I have a lot to live up to. A lot to prove, and I'm more than capable of making it shine through. The crown is mine, and I hope the crowd realizes it. I'll stand here soon as the sole survivor. "Any closing words?" I look around once more. "I'm coming for the crown." This is over and I stand up and walk away leaving the applause behind.

Template by Anzie

[gamemaker sloane ♕ kaяi ♕]

name: bell hailsham
district: four
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?"

"Can I just start off by saying you look as lovely as ever. And even younger in person than you do on TV!" A chuckle escaped him a a blush went to his cheeks. No no, you're the stunning one here,"Her dress glittered brightly under the stage lights. Her stylists put her in a blood red with cascading gems. They start out small and scattered near the top and cascade down, becoming larger and more plentiful as they near the train of the dress. She looks as if she's covered in blood, dripping from head to to. Her stylist really had done a fabulous job making her look like a queen. Not just any queen, but the Queen of Death. "Oh it was riveting! The excitement from the crowd as soon as we arrived was outstanding and I hope you all enjoyed our little show," Her comment was responded with more cheers and an enthusiastic nod from Caesar. "Let me just tell you, that's only a taste of what's yet to come," She said with a wink.

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

"I'm surprisingly unimpressed,"she said with a slight frown. "I was expecting so much more, but most of them are mediocre at best. Don't worry though, I won't take anyone for granted once the gong sounds," He slowly nodded his head in agreement. "Never for a second did we think you would,"

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

"Really and truly its you guys," she said as she motioned a hand towards the crowd. "Who ever would have thought that a lowly girl like me from District Four would come into a place like this and have so many amazing fans," Her eyes flashed down and she looked back up a tear forming in her eye, right on cue. "You all feel like my family already," The crowd responded with awhs and some clapping while Caesar wiped a tear from his eye.

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

"It's all business where I'm from. Training, training, and more training. But let me let you in on a little secret" She crossed her legs and leaned towards him as if she was about to whisper something huge. "It's not all about the strength. You gotta have some of this too," she said as she tapped on her temple. "We learn in a classroom too. I can tell you about any technique and how to do it perfectly, that's not something a lot of Careers have,"

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

A laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her chair. "There's a boy. Not sure if he feels the same way but I wouldn't mind finding my way back to him," She had to make them believe that she had something worth fighting for, even if they had never been anything more than friends. Caesar opened his mouth but Bell spoke up again before he had a chance. "And I won't mention any names so don't even bother," He shut his mouth in disappointment. She simply looked at the camera blew a kiss and winked. For Beck. Even though she wasn't sure if he was watching.

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

She knew this question was coming, so she had prepared herself properly. Instead of letting her emotions get the best of her she simply shrugged. "We're a bunch of misfits who are lucky enough to get to train with some of the best. Some of us get along, some of us don't. But trust me Caesar, everyone knows their place," And everyone knew Bell's was at the top.

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

"Freedom..." She practically whispered. Her eyes dropped to the floor and she awkwardly began to pick at her nails. He didn't even attempt to continue the conversation, probably scared of the reaction he would get.

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

You are as you act, so always act your best," She stood up and waved with both hands at the crowd, blowing a few kisses here and there as she walked off. It was time to play.

And she always won.