The Interviews.

[gamemakers]

WHO| ALL TRIBUTES
WHAT| Tribute Interviews With Caesar Flickerman!
WHEN| The break between the closing of Arena 02 and the opening of Arena 03
WHERE| A stage set up in the South Wing of the Training Center
NOTES| Interviews are done by district, in descending order (12-1; saving Max for the finale.) Just look for the thread that has been specifically made for you, and show the nation of Panem what a star you are! This is the companion post to last week's backstage post, which should be considered to be taking place at the same time, in-game. There is also an Intermission thread in the middle of all the individual threads, for everyone to tag around in; watch and react and have fun.
MORE NOTES| New tributes (if we get any) will be added as they are accepted.



This is it. Your time to shine.

The red curtain rises and the lights shine bright; warm on your face and halfway blinding. The music plays, blaring in your ears, mingling with the roar of the candy coloured crowd just beyond the stage. You can see your face projected on what seems to be a dozen screens as tall as houses and there's even a small undercurrent in the noise that sounds suspiciously like half a thousand strangers screaming your name.

The stage is simple. Glossy black, reflecting the stage lights and the shine of your shoes. At the center you find two plush red chairs, tall-backed and velvet, but one of them is empty. Waiting for you. In the other sits a man in a midnight blue suit and a straight white grin. His hair is a vivid aquamarine with eyebrows to match, and he stands just as someone backstage queues you to take your step out into the spotlight.

Comments

District 12 ➳ Tony Stark.

[gamemakers]

Ladies first: Neha Manzione had already done two rounds inside the arena, and hadn't lasted past the cornucopia in either instance. Quiet and well-spoken, Caesar smiles at her and the crowd claps politely. But it's over before anyone gets wound up. Alex is clearly more of a crowd favourite than her predecessor, but even so, there is little more than a constant grin and a few well-timed jokes.

The first real sign of excitement of the night is when Caesar stands up and makes an exaggerated gesture towards the back of the stage.

"It's time to make some noise for the illuminating tribute of District 12 - you know him already, and we're thrilled he's back for another round - ladies and gentleman! Mister Tony Stark!"

District 11 ➳ Emily Prentiss.

[gamemakers]

Keeping things fresh, the queue for the tributes of District 11 is not the same as 12. It's Preston "Bodie" Broadus who has his time on stage first. He's a serious fellow, but a tough kid who's earned a bit of a following for making it so far along in Arena 01.

The quiet and contemplative Asil Jil Qil'Tson seems to be less than interested in using this time wisely, and he excuses himself off stage almost immediately. But Caesar is quick to recover. Bounding up from his seat, a grin full of white teeth he announces, "I suppose it's all for the best. My next guest is one I've been itching to have sitting in my interview chair. If she doesn't mind, I'll just use up the rest of Asil's time speaking with District 11's strongest contender. Ladies and gentleman, lets give a monstrous welcome to the one and only, Emily Prentiss!"

[ssa_emilyprentiss]

Maybe if she hoped long and hard enough, the ground would open and swallow her up. Except she never got what she wanted.

She wasn't nervous, per se; Emily Prentiss was never nervous. She'd just rather be anywhere else right now. Despite years of schmoozing and fake smiling and feigning interest at her mother's political soirees, this was the situation of nightmares for Emily.

She was not charming. She was not personable. She was not known for her winning personality. She was sarcastic, self-deprecating, dark, and oh-so utterly socially awkward...at least, when she wasn't discussing psychological profiles (and even then, she dreaded the assignments to lecture new Academy recruits).

The most she could possibly hope for at this moment was not immediately stick her foot in her mouth as she slid into her seat and tried not to let her utter dread appear on her face.

District 10 ➳ Wyatt Earp.

[gamemakers]

It's ladies first again, and Peggy Olson has her time on stage with Caesar as District 10's first represented tribute. She's quirkier than many expected which will likely help her gain some public support. Scoring only a 3, goodness knows she needs it.

It's Thasetus' turn next and he growls more than he talks. The crowd seems more amused by this than they probably should be. But there's no mistaking the relief behind Caesar's smile when he says his goodbye to the other tribute.

"And now, for a real treat," his smile seems to take up half his face when he speaks and it looks as though he's already preparing himself for a handshake before he even announces who's next. "We didn't get to see much of him before, in Arena 02, but from what they tell me, District 10 is hoping for some big things from this next tribute! How about a round of applause for Wyatt Earp, everyone!?"

Re: District 10 ➳ Wyatt Earp.

[the_marshal]

For a moment is seemed like someone was going to have to push him onto the stage, but just as his district escort was moving to do so, Wyatt stepped out onto the stage - back straight, head held high.

He's hatless tonight and dressed in black. His shoes, and the pair of tight kid-leather gloves, both silver, shone in the high lights. Around his neck was a snowy cravat, knotted with a gleaming silver ring. Painted on his temples, more silver, in the form of artful slashes - meant, he supposed, to be some sort horns.

Like a bull.

(He could still hear his stylists applauding themselves.)

He strode across the platform, blue eyes fixed on Caesar, and as much on instinct as from the unspoken cue, held out a hand for shaking. "Mr. Flickman."

District 9 ➳ Donatello Hamato.

[gamemakers]

Bao Yu is a small little wisp of girl, but feistier than many expected, considering her short running times in either arena and little to no contact with anyone while inside. She is the first of District 9's tributes to take the stage a it seems Caesar, and the rest of the crowd is quick to believe that she has terrible luck and a better chance next round.

The roar of applause is daunting when she leaves.

But nothing compared to what is coming.

The look on Caesar's face is unmistakable, undeniable, pure, unabashed glee. "I know we've all been holding our breath for this one. These new Hunger Games have given us quite the ensemble cast, and might not fit the usual tribute description. I don't believe out next tribute needs much more of an introduction, do you?"

The crowd is almost deafening, but even still, the sound of Caesar's voice booms, "Come on out, Donatello!"

GIVE IT UP

[polyturtle]

Oh geez. His turn is coming up.

Generally, when he's in these kind of fight to the death scenarios - he's had at least one before coming to Panem - the crowd was supposed to hate him because the bad guys want them to. But here, its...very different. He can hear the screams all the way from the green room, and if there was ever a moment where he couldn't actually hear himself think-

"You're next!" One of the producers started gently nudging him towards the stage. "Remember, be yourself, biiiig smiles, give the crowd a show they won't forget!"

And then he was on stage at Caesar's call. Everyone was up on their feet, clapping and screaming at his arrival on stage. Despite the stage fright he was experiencing - really, if anyone of his family was suited for this kind of show, it was Mike, not him - he nevertheless manages a smile and a wave to the crowd as he walks over to Caesar.

"Hi..." He gives the host a smile also. "Hi there....Mr. Flickerman, right?"

The crowd couldn't get enough. He was being so polite to Caesar!

District 9 ➳ Loki Laufeyson.

[gamemakers]

District-mates Bao Yu, Donatello and Jill Doherty have all had their time in the limelight with Caesar. Until now, the crowd has been fed the names and faces of those whom they have already come to know and love (in varying degrees). So when Caesar announces that there is a new face among the tributes of District 9, the excitement is almost palpable.

"A new face among us, and they say it's a hansom one to boot. Ladies and gentleman it is my distinct pleasure and opportunity to welcome to the stage, Loki Laufeyson!"

[bloodbrothers]

Loki could rarely be called anything close to personable in recent years-- be it his distaste for the perceived slights of his life, the idiocy he saw in others or simply his own loathing sort of personality. For all his flaws, however, one thing could be said about Laufeyson and that it was he was well practiced at hiding it all. A brilliant liar who could slip behind one mask or the next. It was a skill so brilliantly honed to earn him the title of Silvertongue and ease through many rougher political encounters amongst Asgard and the other realms.

Any who knew him-- fortunately none here-- would know the appearance he makes is entirely incongruent with his person. Stripped of his warriors garb He has a black suit on and a forest green dress shirt below it. He misses already the high mandarin collar of his uniform in contrast to the gold trimmed fabric he wore now. It was like prowling around in his night clothes.

Still he holds his head high when he approaches, even flashes a smile because it's easy to imitate his idiot of a brother well enough, and most seemed to be irritatingly fond of him. Still, after a small briefing on Midgardian gestures he offers a shake, "Hail fellow, well met." He steps to the side to sit, gaze turning to assess the crowd slowly. An interesting lot of creatures, nothing like the Midgardians he had seen. Colorful, at least.

District 8 ➳ Charlotte LaBouff.

[gamemakers]

District 9 has had plenty of attention as of late, but it's now time for the belle of the ball, and District 8 has queued their tributes up in order of preference, which of course leaves Lottie at the very front of the line.

If his prior tribute guest, Loki, had worn him down, Caesar doesn't show it. He's still all grin and sparkling blues, and he stands to welcome the young blonde woman, properly.

"She's warmed our hearts since the very first day inside Arena 01. You know her as District 8's most charming and certainly best dressed young tribute, darling little Lottie, and I dare not keep a lady waiting any long than she has to. Let's give a big, warm, Capitol-style welcome, to Miss Charlotte LaBouff!"

Re: District 8 ➳ Charlotte LaBouff.

[needsaprince]

Oh this? This Lottie is ready for. This is what Lottie has waited for, and she can maybe ignore how awful they was she arrived here was for for this.

Walking on to the stage in a cloud of pink, she waves and winks and blows kisses to the crowd, sucking everything up. She was gonna shine like a diamond tonight.

"Hello!"

District 7 ➳ Tate Langdon.

[gamemakers]

The interviews of District 8's tributes go by quicker than most of the other districts. In some other place or time, someone might have said there was a subtle theme in the District 7 lineup of saving the best for last; which could explain why Tate is first the the queue. But the truth of it is, Tate has been a crowd favourite for months now.

Tate! Tate! Tate!

They chant his name before Caesar even has to say his name.

"That's right, Panem! You know him! You love him! And clearly my next guest needs very little introduction!" He pauses for dramatic effect and the crowd goes wild. A young woman in the second row faints. "Ladies and gentleman, Tate Langdon!"

Re: District 7 ➳ Tate Langdon.

[theworsekind]

Tate walks out in a sleek gray suit with orange highlights, a very stern and determined look on his face. He was counseled to take the "mysterious silent type" angle and lucky for him it all came very naturally. Hearing the crowd cheer his name brings a smirk to the corner of his lips. While he didn't often care much for the opinions of others, it would pay off to be liked here.

Tate b-lines for the seat across from Caesar and sits in a very casual manner. To act as if none of this phased him, that was what Tate was instructed and again, it really didn't phase him. With his blond hair falling in his eyes, Tate tosses his head to the side to brush it away as he leans against the arm of the chair.

District 7 ➳ Momoko Ruygasaki.

[gamemakers]

Things have only just started to get interesting now. The crowd is wound up, and both Tate and Sammy have had their time on stage to speak with Caesar and they are still roaring; the entire venue is pulsing with energy; a mildly contained fanatical craze.

The dramatic tributes of District 7 have been talk of the Capitol for months, and the fire has only been rekindled now that it is Momoko's turn to step out into the light.

There are girls in the crowd holding lacy parasols, each one of them more vibrant and elaborate in design than the last. "And who could forget my next guest? She may be all frills here in Capitol, but we're all dying to see her claws come out. Please, assist me in welcoming the lovely Miss Momoko Ruygasaki!"

[cowardfacinghappiness]

Momoko hadn't had a chance to watch Tate's interview, but as she could guess what he would say she didn't consider it much of a loss. Soon as her name was called she stepped out, her own parasol a thankful shield from the terribly bright lights of the stage.

Though she wore her usual Lolita style, in deference to her District the dress had green embroidery mimicking forest leaves and vines, her parasol done up to match. She ran a hand down the skirt as she walked towards Caesar, the embroidery she'd done in part herself a comforting totem in the face of so many people. Pushing aside her discomfort she smiled at Caesar and curtsied gracefully, then turned to the audience and did the same for them.

District 6 ➳ Ariadne.

[gamemakers]

By Capitol standards, District 7 is a crowd favourite, since the tributes within have displayed a rather unprecedented trend of being the ones to off one another inside the Arenas. But where District 7 ranks high on the 'dramatically entertaining' scale, District 6 is in another category altogether. Maxim Clarke takes the stage first, and he is charming, amusing, and burns red when asked if he's caught the eye of anyone in the Capitol. Women scream in the audience with glee and the second girl of the night faints from all the excitement. It seems he might be a tough act to follow, but as soon as he leaves the stage and the face on the screens fades from Maxim's face to Ariadne's the crowd goes wild; an eruption of applause and cheers that shakes the floors.

"Ah, now we have certainly got our eye on this one, now don't we?" Caesar almost teases. "We've seen a lot from her already and something tells me this young tribute has a mind like a trap. Are you ready to meet our next tribute, ladies and gentleman!?"

The crowd pulses with 15000 screams as Caesar looks in the direction of back-stage and says, "Well then, come on out, Ariadne!"

[buildingreality]

This, Ariadne had decided a while back, would be an excellent opportunity to smile and nod and make the Capitol like her. Granted, when she hears, from her place just backstage, the roar of applause, she can't help but be somewhat surprised that they know her name, that they're really cheering for her that way.

The last time she was on a stage was for her undergrad graduation, and there was more pomp and circumstance than there was shrieking fans.

She plasters a soft smile on her face without much difficulty at all, lifting the edge of her billowing skirts to keep from tripping as she makes her entrance, waving delicately to the audience, most of whom she can't even see. The lights are bright in her eyes, and she sees stars more than anything else, until she spots the chair just beside Caesar and joins him with as much grace as she can manage in the heels she still isn't quite used to.

District 6 ➳ Derek Morgan.

[gamemakers]

First Maxim, then Ariadne, and now it's Derek's turn, and it's being said all over the city that District 6 is not only one of the more aesthetically pleasing districts - tribute wise - but that every single one of them could very well be the next victor in Arena 03.

Derek may have only been a tribute for one round now, but before these new Games, one round was all anyone ever got. The excitement of getting to see him in action again has everyone astir. A woman actually bursts into tears when the image of Derek appears on screen. There is a hand-written sign in neat pink ink that reads Marry Me Derek Morgan!? that is held up just long enough for a peacekeeper to take it away.

"Now, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that my next guest is incredibly popular among the ladies-" the sounds of several thousand screaming woman down out the last syllable, but Caesar only laughs. "Hey, don't start giving me a complex here," he teases the crowd and they laugh. He grins, wide and white and charming and beacons his next guest to the stage. "Come on out and say hello, Derek!"

Re: District 6 ➳ Derek Morgan.

[ssa_derekmorgan]

Derek swallowed hard as he listened to the screams of thousands women and the dramatic voice of the host from the backstage. He was never one to be nervous, he didn't even flinch when he went toe-to-toe with the Prince of Darkness but this interview, for some reason, made his stomach churn.

Nonetheless, he managed to work up one of his most charming smiles, waving to the crowd as he walked towards Caesar.

INTERMISSION

[gamemakers]

With six districts down and six more to go, the crowd is getting restless and everyone needs to stretch their legs, grab a fresh cocktail and freshen up a bit.

Tributes are required to remain backstage, even if they have already had their time with Caesar. The greenroom is plenty big enough for everyone to mingle, nibble a bit on hors d'oeuvres and work out those nerved before the curtains raise again.

Re: INTERMISSION

[greymatter]

If Grey seems disinterested, it's because he is. He's offered little more than a glance at the screens showing the other tribute's in their interviews, preferring instead to sample the Capitol's rather delectable array of foods.

District 5 ➳ King Kazma.

[gamemakers]

Luckily, at this point, the Capitol has moved past their fear of the truly unusual. So long as it keeps its distance (inside the Arena) of course. The more exotic a tribute, the more exotic a trend they start. Stylists and designers from all over the city are already working on their latest and greatest designs to accommodate for the sure-fire hype that Kazma will start, and hardly anyone has even seen him yet!

There is an excitement in the ooohs and aaahs that ripple through the crowd when his image is flashed across the screen.

"We just can't wait to meet this one," Caesar speaks for everyone, and the cheers that erupt at his words must mean that they agree. "Representing District 5, I give to you, King Kazma!"

District 4 ➳ Illyria.

[gamemakers]

District 4 has had ill luck for the last few years. Once considered a Career District, there hasn't been a victor representing District 4 since Annie Cresta 5 years ago, and not much is said about her other than how crazy she is these days.

But excitement has started to stir again for the famed fishing District. A fresh new tribute with an impressive score and an impressive, not to mention fitting, abundance of blue.

"Now for our next tribute," Caesar begins, "I can only imagine how excited District 4's stylists must be to have her around." The screens shift to display Illyria's face and there is a mix of amusement and amazement in the air. "Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to bring to you tonight, Miss Illyria!"

District 3 ➳ Garrus Vakarian.

[gamemakers]

The first tribute to represent District 3 is Bruce Alton, a neurotic little man with wild hair and a wilder imagination. He's awkwardly amusing to the crowd, but more comic relief than anything of true interest. Gerard follows, and tells a sob story about his family back home and people actually cry at the drama and heartbreak of it all. It's a strangely dull moment in the evening, and Caesar looks strangely pleased when it's all over, though still sympathetic in a manner that looks genuine enough for a television personality who doesn't really care.

The crowd however, seems eager for excitement again, and when Garrus.... atypical visage comes across the screens, the room goes from polite applause to thunderous excitement so quickly that several people jump in surprise at the commotion.

"Well here is a face I didn't expect to see! Ladies and gentleman, feast your eyes on District 3's very own and very unexpected, Garrus Vakarian!"

[c_sec]

He's nervous. Well, anyone would be, right? Surrounded by humans, put on display like some celebrity gladiator-- it's nervewracking. Not to mention he's kind of covered in lights thanks to his stylist. Still, this is what it's all about; show off or die, and Garrus can show off.

'Just imagine you're back on Omega, Vakarian.' Garrus tells himself, taking a deep breath and walking onto the stage. The lights are bright, sure, but Garrus manages to nod at the crowd, giving them a small salute before making his way over to Caesar.

District 3 ➳ Elliot Spencer.

[gamemakers]

The buzz about Garrus' return is impressive to say the least, though it's debatable about how much of that excitement has to do with his unusual appearance rather than how much they care about Vakarian himself.

Elliot on the other hand was an Arena 02 favourite. Not a victor. But he made it further than most. People are already making wagers on him, and the details of Arena 03 are still a locked and sealed mystery to everyone by the gamemmakers themselves.

"So, is everyone ready to hear what Elliot Spencer has to say?" is all Caesar has to say and the sound of the cheers is almost deafening.

Re: District 3 ➳ Elliot Spencer.

[retrieverchef]

Eliot walks out onto the stage, waving to the crowd before greeting Caesar. He sits down across from him, as relaxed as he can be in the outfit Valeria had picked out. He might not like being this exposed and publicized but he knows how to play to a crowd.

District 2 ➳ Alastor Grey.

[gamemakers]

District 2 is a Career District - one with a habit for wining, a craving for victory, and a constant favourite of the Capitol. In Alastor Grey, District 2 had another near-win. Better than the district fared in Arena 01, and for that anyone who is anyone is pleased.

"We saw him for the first time in Arena 02, and everyone is eager to see just how far he'll make it next round. Give it up for the one and only Alastor Grey!"

Re: District 2 ➳ Alastor Grey.

[greymatter]

How many people here knew his name? How many?

Grey steps out onto the stage but his strides are long and jerky with agitation and there's something altogether... unstable... in his eyes. It soon becomes clear that he isn't heading for that plush red chair that's been set aside for him as he passes it but for Caeser himself.

District 2 ➳ Tali'Zora Vas Normandy.

[gamemakers]

Grey's time on stage was... lively to say the least. And then it is Kennedy and Lucas with their turns on stage. The end of the interviews is drawing near, and District 2 saves Tali to be their last tribute on stage, just to keep things interesting. She'll have a friend from District 1 to follow after her, never mind that Tali is one of the more interesting tributes in the entire line up. Half of the Capitol is still unsure if she's human or not. The other half just wants to know what's behind the mask.

"Ladies and gentleman, please help me give a warm welcome to miss Tali'Zora Vas Normandy!"

District 1 ➳ Kaidan Alenko

[gamemakers]

Caesar has been told to keep his distance from this one, but if he's intimidated by the idea of Kaidan coming to sit next to him, it doesn't show in the slightest.

"One of my favourite moments with this tribute, as I'm sure you'll all remember, was his near-victory in Arena 01. I have a feeling a lot of excitement will come from watching him in Arena 03, but let's hear what he has to say about it all. Panem, I give to you, Kaidan Alenko!"

[implant]

The new arena starts soon. Kaidan shouldn't be surprised, but he is. Another round of killing, but this time he's... focused, to say the least. He knows what he has to do.

Walking out on stage Kaidan holds himself straight and tight, face darkened as he looks out at the crowd before turning his sights on Caesar. His suit is crisp and he unbuttons the jacket as he sits across from the host, lips pressed tight but not thin-- closed off but giving in all the right ways. He'll play with his cards close to his chest, wants to give nothing away to the Capitol, but after what he saw he knows that a different tactic will need to be used here. Right now, he'll play along.

District 1 ➳ Max Guevara. Victor of Arena 02

[gamemakers]

By now, the ceremony has gone on for hours, but the energy and excitement is still going strong. Perhaps, now that they know what is coming, it's stronger than ever.

People rise from their seats after Oh'Karra leaves the stage, they jump and scream and cry and shout and wave and cheer and holler. Caesar stands for a moment in a calm and gleeful silence, soaking it all in and letting the room buzz with anticipation.

Finally, he raises his hands to quiet them, and the room goes still.

"And now. The one we have all be waiting for. Your victor of Arena 02. The beautiful and deadly Miss Max Guevara!"

Re: District 1 ➳ Max Guevara. Victor of Arena 02

[x5452]

The bright lights and the screams of the crowd hit her and for a moment even a transgenic super soldier can be overwhelmed.

But then she turns the switch.

Smile. Wave. Blow kisses. She makes the cross-over smoothly, exchanges air kisses with Caesar, and settles into the chair.

It takes a few minutes for the crowd to settle down as she crosses one long leg over the other, as she calls out thank yous, and as she finally settles into the chair while laughingly making settle down gestures with her hands.

**new castmate** || District 5 ➳ Neeshka.

[gamemakers]

It's not an easy act to follow, coming on stage after a giant rabbit-man. But District 5 has certainly drawn the lucky card in exotic tributes this reaping!

"Well, well, well!" Caesar seems purely ecstatic. "This night just continues in it's line up of exciting tributes! Ladies and gentleman, please give a warm round of applause for our second tribute of the night to represent District 5, lets welcome Miss Neeshka to the stage!"

The crowd seems fairly subdued at first. Until of course, Neeshka's image is displayed on every giant screen in the room. The eruption of excited cheers and applause is then, almost deafening.

[tailforbrains]

"Miss Neeshka?" the tiefling in question mouths, trying hard not to giggle, though it's as much nerves as humor. Nobody has ever called her that before. Like, ever. And seeing her face on that huge screen as she ventures out is making her kind of want to hide again.

She's been dressed up as your stereotypical demon-- to her great lack of surprise, of course-- with a slinky red dress that seems way too revealing for a gal used to leather tunics and long trews, wire and cloth wings, and glittery gold paint on her otherwise unremarkable little horns. They've even given her a little trident of some sort, though it's not sharp enough to do any harm to anybody, made out of some weird lightweight material she's never seen before.

The cheers are even less expected, and she blushes almost as red as her dress, her tail flicking about anxiously behind her, before she makes it to the seat across from Caesar.