"Live at the Capitol! Production of the 50th Hunger Games proudly presents A Tribute to Interviews! Ladies and gentlemen of Panem, give it up for your host, Puerto Rico!"

Cheers, whistles, and applause greet Puerto Rico as he strolls onto the stage, wearing a black and blue paisley suit. He gives the audience a wave, dazzling them with a perfect white smile. He takes a bow before setting himself down on one of the two chairs placed center stage.

He lifts the microphone to his mouth, greeting the audience, "¡Buenos tardes (Good afternoon) people of Panem!" He briefly chuckles. "Yes, you heard that right. A Tribute to Interviews normally takes place during evening hours. However, with the way the Games are set up, interviews with the tributes will take place throughout the day. That means a lot of talking on my part. But not to worry, every tribute is fairly given the same amount of time to interview, so no one feels shafted. Anyway, enough talking from me. Let's get right into interviews, hearing what every tribute has to say before they step into the arena."

☆☆☆☆☆

"As always according to tradition, the first tribute to grace the stage comes from District 1. Famously known throughout her district as the Golden Girl, she claims she's perfect in every form. Having placed herself near the top of tributes likely to survive—scoring a ten for her private session with the Gamemakers—she seems destined to reach first place. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for California!"

The crowd cheers as California strides across the stage, wearing a long shimmering gold evening dress. Blowing kisses, sending little winks, and flashing a smile brighter than the sun, the golden blonde takes advantage of her gorgeousness and charisma to attract the eyes of the Capitol. Greeting the host while taking her seat, she offers her hand, allowing him to place a kiss on her knuckles.

"¡Buenos tardes (Good afternoon), Senorita California!" Puerto Rico smiles. "You don't seem at all nervous."

"Why would I be nervous?" She feigns ignorance.

"Well, this isn't going to be a typical Hunger Games. You'll be facing 47 tributes in the arena."

"47? Is that all?" Her cocky remark draws laughter from the crowd as well as the host.

"As expected for a Career, you're confident you'll become the victor of the 50th Hunger Games."

"Am I not already the victor?"

"I mean," he chuckles nervously, "a lot of people are convinced you'll be the victor because of your talents. However, some doubters think you're made of fool's gold. Anything you want to say to them to change their mind?"

She chuckles for a moment before answering the question, "First off, how dare they call me a fake? I'm obviously the real deal." Her fiery response creates a loud wave of hoots and applause. "Second, I want to hear from the doubters if they have ever survived the Hunger Games. Anyone who can't relate can shut the f—ck up." She gets a louder reaction from the crowd. "Lastly, what you say isn't going to change anything. I'll win the Games. I'll become the victor. And I'll be the one to shine like gold."

~

"According to multiple interviews across Panem, you're voted the least likely to survive among your fellow tributes of District 1. It also doesn't help your case with the low score you received for your private session. Three isn't a number that brings confidence to people." After reading the report, Puerto Rico looks up at a nervous Delaware unwilling to be here. Being a good host, he tries to give the unpopular District 1 male a chance to defend himself. "My first question to you. Do you believe you can do better than the score the Gamemakers have given you?"

"Um... No, actually. The three I received seem fitting in my opinion."

"How come?"

"It's like they said. I'm not like my fellow tributes of District 1, and it's not a compliment. I'm not strong like New Jersey. I'm not smart like Maryland. And I'm certainly not attractive like California. Even though I've trained for three days, it isn't enough to make me a winner."

"Okay..." The host thinks frantically to combat the depressing response. "Well, by chance you do survive, any plans after the Games?"

"Not really." Delaware mulls it over for a moment. "Assuming I win by a miracle, I hope to gain the same respect people have given to my fellow tributes. It'll be nice, but I doubt that's ever going to happen. With the way I am, most people will be happier seeing me dead than alive."

"Oh no. Don't say that."

"But it's true. I'm going to be dead, and no one will miss me."

Ending this interview on a morbid note, Puerto Rico decides to stop asking questions and let the tribute leave early. His depressed answers have left an impact on the audience for they have never seen a tribute publicly lament their frustrations. It's quite pitiful. Some feel terrible for all the bad things they said about him. Unfortunately, pity and guilt don't reside in their hearts for very long. Because not long after Delaware spoke about no one missing him, the crowd returns to smiles and whistles seeing New Jersey appear on stage, quickly forgetting the First Tribute.

~

After interviewing Indiana, Puerto Rico moves on to questioning the second female to represent District 2. "Having yesterday received a ten for her score, it's no question the people of District 2 are proud to see the girl affectionately nicknamed Ginny represent them. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Virginia!"

The audience gives a round of applause to Virginia's appearance on stage in a white lace maxi dress decorated entirely with dogwood blossoms. Moving about in graceful strides, she appears poised for victory, only smiling coyly when looking at the crowd. Approaching the host, she curtsies, catching him by surprise.

"Oh, how fancy!" He takes a bow in return.

She simpers, "Good afternoon, sir. Thank you for taking the time to interview me."

"It's no problem. It's my job. Also, no need to be so formal. Just call me Puerto Rico. I don't mind."

"Very well." She takes a seat. "What questions have you prepared for me today?"

"Well, let's see." He takes his seat while pondering what to ask her. "I already spoke to your fellow tribute, Indiana, about her reaping. Maybe you can indulge us with some stories about your time in the Capitol."

"Sure. Although, the Capitol isn't quite a new experience for me due to its strong ties to District 2," she admits. "The luxurious food, the luxurious rooms, even the training I've been given is top tier. It doesn't surprise me, not one bit. With that said, I do appreciate the tributes from the other districts for making the past few days interesting."

"It must be hard learning all their names."

"It really is," she chuckles. "I've done my best to introduce myself to the other 47 tributes as well as try to remember all their names. Compared to physical training, it's surprisingly challenging."

"How so?"

"Certainly, anyone in my position will find it difficult to know the names of 47 tributes. It becomes harder to get to know them due to the limited time we have at the Training Center. Most tributes will only seek tributes that catch their attention the most, ignoring other tributes for various reasons. In my opinion, it's quite a shame because it has been an enjoyable experience for me at least talking to everyone, some of whom are very kind."

"I see. Though, you're aware most of the competing tributes will die, right?"

"Yes. I'm aware. I've been told countless times it's pointless to learn about the personal lives of tributes. It's none of my concern, but I think it's rather interesting to know their lives before arriving here. To know they're more than adversaries standing between me and victory, it'll be disheartening to see them gone. But our memories of our time here will last forever." She places a hand over her heart and softly smiles. "Yes, our memories together will always be cherished."

~

"How did you get an eight for your score?" Puerto Rico questions District 2's infamous pothead with a stupefied expression.

"Good question..." Letting out a breath of cannabis, Colorado answers calmly, "I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?! Your private session was yesterday!"

"I mean, it was pretty lackluster. All I did was swing around a weapon for five minutes before leaving the gym to go order pizza."

"You ordered pizza?!"

"Yeah, I did." He inhales his reefer. "By the way, do you know if I can get pizza sponsors? It'll be rad if I can get some pizza delivered to me in the arena."

He groans, "I don't know if you're being serious or not..."

~ 

'The Third Boy of District 3...' Puerto Rico observes the timid boy sitting across from him, trying too hard to force a smile that reveals the wrinkles around his mouth and eyes. "No need to be nervous," he assures, placing a hand on the tribute's shoulder, ceasing his trembling. "First off, it's an honor having you here."

He gulps. "Yeah... Thanks for interviewing me."

"As you know, I must ask you questions that pertain to your personal life. Many people want to know more about you. Thus, I have to ask what a lot of people are wondering. Is that okay with you?"

'It's not like I can back out.' He reluctantly nods.

"It's no secret there are conversations concerning your participation in the Games. Some critics say you shouldn't be here, complaining about how it's unfair for the Games to have three male tributes and one female tribute represent District 3. Do you have anything to say regarding the controversy?"

"... I believe in God," he answers after letting out a deep breath, feeling an unbearable weight being lifted off by his shoulders. "I believe God is the reason I'm here. I don't know why I was chosen, but I must accept this is what He wanted. Rather than remove me from the Games and violate God's will, I ask everyone to give me a chance. I want to prove myself to be worthy of your acceptance."

"... Okay," the host mumbles. "I trust your place in the Games is because of fate. If that's the case, does that mean you're fated to win?"

"... Yes, I believe so."

~

"It's so unfair," Connecticut bemoans. "I had plans to enroll at the Academy. I could've contributed my wealth and intellect had I not been chosen for the Games. In my opinion, it seemed illogical for the Capitol to allow the sacrifice of someone as bright as me."

"Yeah, it's a real shame, but that's the luck of the draw. You just happen to be unlucky." Puerto Rico can't criticize the Games or the Capitol without getting shot. But deep down, he's sympathetic toward these ill-fated tributes. He's a platform to help get their message across. He's the recorder of their last words and memories. He's their only counselor. "... Don't be so down," he assures. "I know it's slim, but there's still a chance you may win the Games. In which case, you can still achieve a good life." Applause from the audience encourage the tribute to look on the bright side of the situation.

"Maybe," he softly smiled, getting applause from an encouraging audience. "Maybe there's still luck for me. We'll have to wait and see what happens at the Games."

~

Stepping onto the stage in a ruffled ocean blue ombre gown, Maine of District 4 is greeted with a roar of cheers. 'Wow. They really love the dress I'm wearing.' She stares at the crowd in amazement.

"¡Hola, Senorita Mermaine!" Puerto Rico goes up to greet her with a friendly smile.

"Mermaine?" She cocks her head.

"It's a nickname the people of Panem have been calling you ever since the Tribute Parade," he explains as they set themselves down in their respected chairs. "Even now, you look like a mermaid princess from a fairytale."

She blushes. "It's all thanks to Miss Northern Mariana Islands."

"Who is she?"

"She's a stylist. She's the one responsible for dressing me up so beautifully for my public appearances. It's all thanks to her I've been getting lots of love and support."

"Oh, don't sell yourself short. Yes, the dresses are lovely. But then there's your physical beauty. The red-orange hair, the pine green eyes, and the snow-white complexion—all that combined with your elegance and talents has made you a beloved favorite among the people. Petitions calling for the president to spare you have garnered at least a thousand names. What do you think of that?" Cheers from the crowd back his statement.

"I..." For a moment, she's at a loss on how to respond to such adoration. She smiles sadly. "Thank you, everyone. I appreciate your efforts to keep me around. Unfortunately, I must decline the option of being spared for I must represent my district in the Games. But when I win, I hope to reach out to my fans and personally thank them. Your love and support have given me the strength to keep going." The audience applauds her words with kindness.

"Truly like a princess." Puerto Rico wipes an invisible tear from his eye. "Always kind and graceful, even under so much pressure. We look forward to watching you in the arena."

~

Contrary to Maine being called a princess of the sea, Rhode Island has been called a bunch of unsavory nicknames. "They include: the Asshole Ant, the Dickish Dwarf, the Mouthy Midget, the Shorty with the Shitty Mouth, and Rude Island as the most popular nickname across social media," Puerto Rico informs the District 4 male who's doing his best to hold his temper. "Is there a preferred nickname you want everyone in Panem to call you?"

"Little Rhody," he grumbles, holding back on calling the people a lot of crude names in return.

"Okay, Little Rhody. Speaking of your small size, people across Panem believe you're unlikely to survive compared to the taller tributes. Anything you want to say to them?"

"Yeah. Have you heard of the old saying? Size doesn't matter."

"Uh-huh."

"I may be on the short side, but there's something else about me that makes up for that. Wanna take a guess what that is?"

"Uh, your talents?"

"Nope."

"Your heart?"

"Not even close."

"Then, what?"

"Heh." He smirks. "It's because I have big balls!"

"Big balls..." He doesn't sound impressed.

"What? You don't believe me?" He huffs. "Well, fine. Go f—ck yourself!" He stands up from the chair, glaring at the snickers in the crowd. "You, too! If you don't believe me, go f—ck yourself! I don't need all you morons looking down on me!" He gives them the bird as he's dragged offstage by Peacekeepers.

~

After laughing along with numerous dumb questions, Louisiana decides to be the one to ask a question for a change. "Can I be honest with y'all?"

"Uh, sure! Ask away!"

She smirked, "I have to say. Life in the Capitol is pretty good, but the food..."

"What about the food?"

"The food... The food is... How can I describe it...?" She purposely drags it out to build suspense. "... The food in the Capitol doesn't compare to my cooking." She shook her head, ignoring gasps from the audience. "I mean, don't get me wrong. The food is fancy, and there's lots of it. But ask anyone in District 5, they'll agree wholeheartedly I can send their souls to Heaven just from having a bite of my cooking."

Puerto Rico laughs, "That's quite a bold statement. Making enemies with all the chefs in the Capitol who've spent years in culinary school crafting the best cuisine in the nation. Do you still stand by what you said?"

She playfully scoffs, "Trust me, cher. There are recipes the chefs in the Capitol can't ever replicate."

"Like what?"

"Have you heard of jambalaya?"

"No, I'm not familiar with it."

"That's sad to hear, but I'm not surprised," she laughs lightheartedly. "Tell ya what. After I win the Hunger Games, I'll treat everyone to a taste of my cooking. Y'all will be blessed trying my delicious jambalaya. Free of charge!" The mention of free food gets the approval of many watchers, especially from the poorer districts.

"That's wonderful," Puerto Rico smiles. "I guess that makes you my favorite to win."

~

"Congratulations on getting an eleven for your score. That's quite impressive."

"It isn't a big deal," New York grumbles. "It's not like I'm the only one to get an eleven." Deep down, he wishes he got a twelve instead.

"Oh, yeah. You're right. There's another male tribute who got an eleven for their score. I believe his name was New Jersey. He's from District 1, so it's no surprise he got such a high score." Puerto Rico chuckles, unaware he's pissing off New York even more. "With that said, I'm sure you'll be on the lookout for him. He seems quite dangerous."

He scoffs, "I'm not worried about him. He's just a knucklehead with abs for show. I can beat him easily." His bold declaration draws oohs from the audience.

"Wow. That'll be a fight everyone will want to see," he smirks. "I can't wait!"

~

"If you don't mind answering this question, a lot of people outside of District 6 are curious to know your relationship with Ohio. Your hatred toward a fellow tribute is unique. What's the story?"

Michigan huffs, "I don't mind explaining. It's a good opportunity for me to dismiss all the stupid theories and rumors about us, most of which aren't true."

"We're all ears."

She begins her story ten years in the past. "I once considered him a close friend. I thought he was cool since we were alike in various ways. We were poor. We lived in a rough and violent neighborhood. Our parents were addicted to morphine. We were basically on our own. I had his back, and he had my back. To survive, we relied on each other's help. We were good until the night he betrayed my trust and abandoned me."

"That's awful."

"Yeah, he's awful alright." She gets up from her chair and stares right at a camera. "Butteye, if you're watching me, I'm gonna smash your head on a rock when we enter the arena!"

"Oh, shit!" Puerto Rico oohs with the audience. "Okay, folks! It's time for a commercial break. When we come back, we'll see what Ohio has to say about his fellow tribute."

~

"Is it true?" Puerto Rico asks the District 6 male, referring back to Michigan's story.

Ohio groans, "It's true, but she has left out some important details."

"We're all ears."

Rewinding ten years in time, Ohio begins his side of the story. "We were too poor to afford food, so we were forced to forage for anything edible in the city. We would search through trash cans every evening, looking for something as worthless as stale breadsticks in a plastic bag. We didn't like it, but it was better than starving. It was necessary for survival, however, some people were against us snooping around their trash. I feared it would get us into big trouble, and I was right. One snowy night, Peacekeepers spotted us while we were dumpster diving. We were running until Michigan slipped on ice hidden underneath snow. They got to her first, and I was powerless to stop them. I could only save myself, so I continued running until I was safe; I never got caught."

"Did you regret leaving her behind?"

To the surprise of the audience, he shakes his head. "Not at all. I knew it was wrong to trespass on private property, but she told me it was okay since we were desperate. We had it coming. I just happened to be lucky to escape trouble, but I never once went dumpster diving again. I only did odd yet honest jobs to pay for living expenses until my name was called at the Reaping."

"I see." Puerto Rico checks his wristwatch for a second. "Anyway, time is almost up for your interview. Anything you want to say before we say our goodbyes?"

"I..." His voice grows quiet.

"It's okay. You can say anything as long as it isn't offensive to the Capitol."

"I... I have a confession I wanna make."

"Go on. We're listening."

"I'm... I'm in love..." He cringes, shaking his head. "I'm sorry. I can't do it."

"It's okay. There's no reason to be afraid."

"No, I mean, I can't confess my love for Michigan. I'm sorry, mentors, but I can't lie in front of everyone. The truth is I hate Michigan. Her breath smells, and she has a giant forehead."

"Shut your trap, F—ckeye!" Michigan throws one of her high-heeled shoes at his head, appearing ready for a brawl on stage. "There's no way I'm letting you live after disparaging me on live TV! I declare the Hunger Games begin immediately!"

"Gaaah! You crazy f—cking b—tch!"

Peacekeepers arrive on stage to separate the tributes before blood can be shed.

~

"Okay, okay. Here's a gouda one," Wisconsin giggles. "What did the mother cow say to the baby cow?"

"Uh, I don't know."

"She said: It's pasture bedtime." She snorts, cracking another joke soon after. "Here's a good story I know. Have you heard of the tale of a cow jumping over the moon?"

"No. I don't think I have."

"It was... It was legendairy." She bursts out laughing, unaware she's the only person smiling at the jokes she has made.

Puerto fake chuckles just to be a good host. "Heh heh. Very funny..." He glances at his wristwatch and exclaims, "Oh, look at the time! Looks like your interview is over."

She moans in disappointment, "Aw. I was having a fondue time."

"I know. It's too bad we can't talk anymore, but I look forward to seeing put on a great performance in the arena." He's weirded out to see her let out a short laugh. "Is something funny?"

"Oh, yeah, sure! Haha! That was a grate pun!" She winks.

"¿Qué (What)?"

"Queso!" She beamed.

"Okay. Enough with the cheesy jokes. It's time for me to interview the next tribute."

"I disa-brie! There's enough to cheddar to go around!"

"I'm not letting you milk any more time for yourself! Your interview is over!" He pushes her offstage.

~

"Compared to your fellow tributes of District 7, you stand out as being...substandard—like your score. It's unusual because most tributes from District 7 tend to have average and above-average scores. Did something happen?"

"W-Well... I... I've been under a lot of stress lately," Vermont shyly admits.

"I can tell," Puerto Rico notes his awkward behavior. "It's okay," he assures. "Mistakes happen when under a lot of pressure."

"Y-Yeah, sure, but that doesn't excuse my poor score." He bites his lip. "I've trained for three days. I'm supposed to be ready for anything. Yet, I'm still not confident in myself. I keep imagining all the things that can go wrong for me. I try to stay optimistic about my chances, but it's hard, you know." He chuckles weakly.

"Yeah, I see your point." He slowly nods with him, wishing he can give him a lot more comfort if time wasn't an asshole. "Don't think about failure too much." He pats his shoulder with a smile. "A four doesn't mean failure. Your odds may be slim, but there's still a good chance you'll win. You just have to do your best and believe in yourself." The audience applauds in support.

He softly smiles, "Thank you. That's what I needed to hear."

~

"It must be difficult for you to face your sister in the arena."

"Ha! Not at all! If she dies, she's a loser which is something I don't ever want to be." South Carolina laughs, taking everyone by surprise.

"Wow. What a mean thing to say to someone so close to you," Puerto Rico frowns. "You're not in the slightest scared to lose her?"

"Scared? Lose her? Do you think I'm weak?" She acts offended.

"N-No! That's not what I mean. People often perceive siblings as being close, showing concern for each other's well-being."

"Showing concern to anyone will get me killed," she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "I don't care if she's my sister. I don't wanna die."

"Then, what would you do if you and your sister happen to be the last tributes alive? Would you kill her?"

"Absolutely!" She proclaims without hesitation, "I'll kill her in a heartbeat! I'll slice off her head! I'll stab her in the guts! I'll do whatever it takes to win!"

'So cruel...' Just thinking about the sadistic event of sororicide sends goosebumps down his arms.

~

"You don't seem to be nervous about tomorrow," Puerto Rico notes the calm behavior of the District 8 male.

"Death is not the worst of evils," New Hampshire tells him. "Ever since my name was called at the Reaping, I had to mentally prepare myself for what could happen to me."

"I see. I admire your bravery."

"That's not it," he disrupted applause from the crowd. "What I mean earlier, I think of death as a merciful thing should I encounter it."

"O-Oh..."

~

"How was life back in District 9?" Puerto Rico asks South Dakota. "A lot of people, both outside and inside the district, believe it to be boring."

"They're not wrong," she giggles. "It's all wheat fields and concrete buildings. It's plain but peaceful. That's about it."

"Any good memories about home?"

She nods. "I have plenty I want to tell, but there's little time for me to share all of them with everyone."

"That's okay. We'll be satisfied hearing one story you're fondest of."

"Well, then. Let me think of one to tell..." She ponders for ten seconds before snapping her fingers. "Here's a good one! It was a long time ago when my brother and I were very little. We often ran and hid in the wheat fields while our parents worked, hiding from the adults until we were caught. But one day, I thought it would be smart to hide in a silo. That turned out to be the worst decision I ever made because I nearly died getting suffocated by tons of grain. I would've been dead if my brother didn't get help. It wasn't fun getting dragged by the collar and scolded by Pa, but I'm glad to be alive thanks to them."

He chuckles along with the crowd, "You were quite a rascal, huh?"

"Yep!" She rubs under her nose with a blush on her cheeks. "I still am!"

~

"I spoke with your sister earlier," Puerto Rico informs the District 9 male. "She was quite amusing to talk to. She told me she would've died weren't for your help."

"Yeah." North Dakota nods. "District 9 wasn't the most exciting place to live, so her antics made life much livelier for everyone in the district. Of course, she was annoying for causing trouble. But I couldn't imagine living without her."

"How sweet." The audience awes over the sibling bond. "I don't doubt you care for your sister very much."

"I mean, she's my sister. I've been by her side since the day we were born. We're never apart for more than a day."

"I believe you." Puerto Rico pauses, hinting at something serious he has been wanting to ask. "... It must be difficult for you both to be reaped for the Hunger Games. Are you worried for her?"

Much to the crowd's assurance, he doesn't answer like South Carolina, confessing, "Of course, I am very worried. Knowing her luck, I won't be surprised if she falls and gets stuck in a silo again." He waits as the crowd chuckles at his joke. "If my sister was here, she would probably tell me to stop being a worrywart."

"Speaking of your sister, does she worry about you?"

He shakes his head. "She won't admit it, but I like to think she's just as worried as me. She keeps telling me we'll win the Games and go home."

"But there can only be one victor."

"I know..." he mumbles. "I think she knows that, too..."

"... Sorry," Puerto Rico apologizes, especially on behalf of the sniffling crowd.

He smiles sadly, "It's okay. We may have been unlucky, but we'll be together at least..."

~

"Howdy, y'all!" Texas waves at the crowd in attendance, appearing on a longhorn cattle's back in full cowboy attire.

"What in the world?!" Puerto Rico gapes at her. "Where did you get that bull? And why are you dressed like that?"

"Isn't it obvious?" She gets off the bull to shake his hand. "I'm a cowgirl from District 10! I need to advertise myself as being true to my word!"

"What word?"

"You know! I promised free steak for a year to everyone supporting me in the Games!" She smiles and waves at the astonished crowd. "That's right, y'all! I'm not playin' around! Free steak for a year in exchange for everyone's support! Come on, sponsors! Hook up with me! I'm your best shot at getting prime grade beef!" Her rowdy enthusiasm appears to be a hit with the audience.

~

While answering a series of questions from the host, New Mexico finally speaks up about what's going on in his mind, "Can I close this interview with some things I want to say?"

"Uh, sure. You have a minute all to yourself." Puerto Rico sits back in his chair, hopeful he won't say anything to upset the Capitol and put him in front of a firing squad.

Facing the crowd and the cameras, the District 10 male calmly tells everyone watching, "I acknowledge the Hunger Games is a competition amongst tributes. With that said, I hold no grudges against particular individuals. It has been an eye-opening experience training alongside many tributes, some of whom I've learned to be good honest people." He pauses. "I don't like the idea of killing someone, but I'll do so if necessary for the sake of my survival. To everyone from the other districts, I sincerely apologize in advance. If it helps ease your minds, I'll make sure whoever's death is swift and painless if possible. Otherwise, I plan to come back as the victor of the 50th Hunger Games." His neutral expression softens as he's addressing everyone in District 10, "Well, everyone, wish me luck."

~

"Have you been eating your fruits and vegetables?" Georgia asks such a profound question, it catches the host off guard. 

"U-Uh, yes. What kind of question is that? I'm supposed to be the one to ask about your health and well-being."

"My apologies," she softly smiles. "I can't help notice how beautiful the people of the Capitol are. I figure they must be eating well to maintain such healthy bodies." Her compliment is applauded by the audience, completely ignorant to recognize she's speaking from the perspective of a malnourished citizen from District 11.

Even Puerto Rico fails to catch her furrow her brow, smiling with the crowd. "Thank you. We appreciate the compliments. You're too nice."

"You're welcome." She forces a laugh and a bigger smile. "Bless everyone's heart! May the odds be ever in my favor!"

~

Alabama fingers his ear for earwax, ignorant of the host's question until he's asked for the third time in which he finally takes notice. "Excuse me? Can you repeat the question?"

Puerto Rico groans, "Aren't you bothered about getting a two for your training score?"

"Of course, it bothers the heck out of me!" Alabama huffs. "It should've been higher!"

"Why do you think that?"

"Because I've trained for three days straight, that's why!" He pouts. "The Gamemakers are a bunch of dumb yuppies giving District 11 low scores. Their standards are too high and unreasonable, especially when we're given only three days to prove our skills."

"I see. In that case, what score do you think you should've gotten instead?"

"Twelve." The audience immediately laughs at him, making his blood boil. "I'm serious! I should've gotten a twelve!"

~

"You must be honored being the only girl among others to score an eleven."

"Yes, it was amazing to see the Gamemakers were impressed with my performance." Montana forces herself to smile despite being neutral about it. Even if it pains her, she's doing it for sponsors. It's necessary if she wants to win.

"With that said, you have lots of tough competition," Puerto Rico points out. "Scoring an eleven may have put a target on your head. Any thoughts on the matter?"

She nods. "There are positives and negatives for having a high score. I agree with you somewhat about having a target on my back, and I know my score doesn't guarantee my safety. However, I don't think it's that detrimental." Compared to a low score, there's greater leeway for someone like her to decide who to trust and ally with since she has proven herself to be capable. It doesn't make her immune to attacks, so she hopes to avoid them as much as possible. In her opinion, getting into conflicts will bring her closer to death than victory.

Puerto Rico smiles, "I like your confidence. You seem like a victor."

"Thank you." She fakes a chuckle. "I hope to change everyone's perceptions about District 12—that someone unfortunate like me can win."

~

"What do you think of the Capitol compared to District 12?"

"It's nice," says West Virginia, still getting used to how loud and bright everything is. "I love the food the most. There's a lot of it, and I can eat as much as I want. My favorite food to eat after training are these things called pepperoni rolls. They're delicious. I'm sure gonna missing eating them every day though."

"I feel for you. The shift from luxurious food on a silver platter to berries off a bush will be very tough."

"Probably." He shrugs. "I don't think it'll be too bad. There are occasions I've gone hungry for a couple of days back in District 12. I'll complain, but I'll survive if I'm lucky to catch anything edible."

"How awesome will it be for you to have a sponsor send you a pepperoni roll in the arena?"

"That'll be amazing! I'll love it like it's a gift from God!" His love for pepperoni rolls gets a laugh from the crowd.

Puerto Rico smiles, "With that, I wish you the best of luck in the arena."

~

After interviewing Wyoming, Puerto Rico can finally wrap things, speaking a few words to the audience before ending the show, "Tomorrow, 48 tributes will enter the arena, fighting to be the one to leave alive and victorious. It'll be wild. It'll be unpredictable. It'll be extraordinary. There'll be no Hunger Games like this. With that said, remember to have sympathy for the tributes, their friends, and their families." He bows his head. "Until tomorrow, I wish everyone a good night."

☆☆☆☆☆

• This is the last chapter before the start of the Hunger Games. From the next chapter onward, expect many characters to die at some point until only one is left alive and standing. Keep in mind some deaths may result from suicide. In which case, consider this my last warning to anyone sensitive about the subject. Otherwise, thank y'all for reading the chapters leading up to the next chapter. I hope y'all look forward to seeing the action and the drama of the 50 States Hunger Games unfold.

• Feel free to comment who you think will win the Hunger Games. Even though I already know the winner, I'm quite interested to hear everyone's predictions and reactions. I appreciate it :)

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Feel free to vote and/or comment.