Piper Papillon’s POV:

‘’ Hello everyone and welcome back! Please give a warm welcome to our next set of tributes, the tributes of Districts Four, Five and Six!’’ As I scream this and the six teenagers make their way onto the stage, the crowd roars crazily.

This six tributes – Caspian, Lilly, Ethan, Ellie, Odhan and Acacia – take their seats on the stage beside me and wave at the adoring crowd chanting their names.

‘’ OK then, let’s get started!’’ I suggest excitedly when the crowd finally stops screaming and cheering. ‘’ The first question is for Caspian. Please, tell us, who would be your ideal partner?’’

Caspian smiles. ‘’ I think you know the answer to that one already, Lilly of course!’’

‘’ You two really are in love?’’ I question.

‘’ Of course. Look at her, she’s beautiful!’’ He yells proudly and the crowd cheers crazily for the two of them. Lilly blushes madly on stage beside him.

‘’ What would happen if you weren’t paired with Lilly, what would you do?’’ I ask.

‘’ I would find her and form an alliance with her, I’d make that she makes it back home if I cannot.’’ He explains.

‘’ Would you sacrifice yourself for her?’’ I continue.

‘’ Yes.’’ He vows and kisses Lilly’s hand, again causing the crowd to scream in crazed admiration for the couple.

‘’ That’s very cute Caspian, I’m quite jealous of Lilly.’’ I joke and the two laugh, as do the crowd.

‘’ The next question is for you Lilly. During the Reapings, when you were asked for a word to sum you up, you chose ‘afraid’. Obviously you were frightened to be leaving home, but had it ever crossed your mind that you’d ever compete in the Hunger Games?’’ I ask.

‘’ Hmm.’’ Begins Lilly, thinking silently for a moment to get her thoughts together. ‘’ I guess in a way, everyone imagines themselves being selected for the Hunger Games. However I think in our own heads, we imagine ourselves to have a very heroic story in the Games. Most of the time we even picture ourselves winning. The money, the fame, the glory. Despite this however, I was very shocked to hear my name being called.’’

‘’ That’s a very good point Lilly. Also, I’d expect the fact that you are the daughter of the District Four Mayor, the entire District was shocked. How did it feel walking up onto that stage?’’ I ask.

‘’ It was quite daunting. I could see the fact of my father – as shocked as I was – and even Pod Pratchett seemed surprised! However as soon as my beloved Caspian volunteered, I felt relieved. I know he won’t let anything happen to me.’’ She explains and the crowd making awing noises and toss flowers onto the stage.

‘’ How adorable!’’ I exclaim. ‘’ You two are just the cutest thing ever!’’

‘’ Speaking of drama at the Reapings, I have a question here for Ellie send in by our viewers. You fainted on stage when you heard your brother’s name being called out. What was going through your head just before you lost consciousness?’’

‘’ A lot of things.’’ Begins Ellie with a laugh. ‘’ I was quite shocked to be honest. Like Lilly very correctly pointed out, although you think of hundreds of different scenarios of what you would do if you had to play in the Hunger Games, it’s still quite a shock to the system when you find out.’’

‘’ How did you feel when you heard Ethan’s name, just before you blacked out?’’ I continue.

‘’ Well at first I felt horrible, because I pictured the two of us having to fight to the death at the end despite the fact that we would never do that, no matter what the Capitol said. But later on I thought about it, I’m lucky to have Ethan with me, he will protect me like Caspian will protect Lilly.’’ She explains and the crowd applauds her.

‘’ I have another question here for you, do you think the Reaping was rigged so a pair of twins was Reaped? To make it that bit more interesting?’’ I ask and as soon as I do, I silently curse myself for reading it out before reading it in my head first.

‘’ I don’t think so, Ethan volunteered. I don’t see how it could have been Reaped.’’ She answers honestly.

‘’ Well they could have filled the Reaping bowl with your name, because they knew two tributes would win, perhaps they assumed I would volunteer-‘’ Begins Ethan but I cut him off before he gets me into anymore trouble.

‘’ Oh nonsense! The Capitol would never do that.’’ I laugh loudly, hoping that the audience don’t notice how fake it is. ‘’ Moving on, next question is for Ethan, what would you do if you weren’t paired with Ellie, and she died?’’

‘’ That won’t happen. I won’t allow it to. She will survive, even if that costs me my life.’’ He vows.

‘’ You and Caspian are very alike. Both of you are willing to die for the woman you love. Of course, it is two very different types of love, but love all the same.’’ I smile.

‘’ I suppose we are.’’ Smiles Ethan in response.

‘’ OK then, next question is for Mr Odhan Tyrell. Tell us, have you any siblings, and if so, would you have volunteered to take their place in the Games had they been picked?’’ I question.

‘’ No, I don’t have any, I actually live in an orphanage however I’m sure if I did I would have taken their place. Of course, that doesn’t really matter, because it was still my name that was pulled from the bowl.’’ He explains.

‘’ From the orphanage? Interesting. How did you end up there? What happened to your family?’’

‘’ Ehm...’’ He begins uneasily, clearly nervous.

‘’ Don’t be shy boy. It can’t be that bad.’’ I smile encouragingly.

‘’ Well my little sister died when she was young, and my parents were hung in front of the District for stealing-‘’ He begins and I curse myself again, then cut him off.

‘’ Maybe it is too bad for our ears.’’ I interrupt. ‘’ Next question! What is your weapon of choice?’’

‘’ I don’t have one. I don’t really know how to use any weapons at all.’’ He admits.

‘’ Well judging by the way you were limping up to the stage on Reaping day, I bet you get into fights a bit. So you know how to defend yourself.’’ I say, trying to get some conversation out of him.

‘’ I’m in an awful lot of fights, but I’m the victim. I don’t start any, and I don’t fight back.’’ He explains and the tone of his voice is so casual it is worrying.

‘’ OK, I think I’m going to move on to a new tribute, you’re too depressing!’’ I laugh and the crowd joins in, however the tributes don’t seem impressed at all. ‘’ Acacia, what be your ideal arena?’’

‘’ I don’t know.’’ She replies sadly. ‘’ I don’t want to go into the arena. I just want to go home.’’

‘’ God! What is it with all you depressing children? I will move back to Caspian. What is your weapon of choice?’’

‘’ The trident Piper.’’ He replies.

‘’ Oh, the trident. Like King Neptune.’’ I say.

He laughs, although it feels as though it is at me as opposed to with me.

‘’ Yeah, I guess.’’ He responds.

‘’ How does a trident work exactly? Can you use it for close range combat?’’ I question.

‘’ I suppose, however it is better at long range. It’s kind of like a spear.’’ He explains.

‘’ Intriguing. Next question, what would be your ideal arena?’’ I continue, at least this one talks!

‘’ Water. Lots and lots of water.’’ He begins.

‘’ Definitely.’’ Adds Lilly with a smile.

‘’ Why so?’’ I ask.

‘’ Well we grew up on the sea basically, we’re water babies – like everyone from District Four. We’re very good swimmers too. It would be perfect for us.’’ Explains Caspian.

‘’ Yeah, along with that, most other tributes don’t know how to swim, so that would be a huge advantage for us.’’ Adds Lilly.

‘’ I see. Good point. Lilly, now that I am talking with you, I have another question for you. What is your weapon of choice?’’ I question.

‘’ I don’t really have one. Caspian does all the fighting.’’ She laughs and the crowd join her. ‘’ But I suppose I will have to learn! In training I will spend most of my time with either daggers or throwing knives. I may be inexperienced now, but three days is plenty of time to learn.’’

‘’ Ethan, next question is for you. What would be the worst arena in your opinion?’’ I ask.

‘’ I don’t want to give the Capitol any nasty ideas, but it would probably be one with lots of water. In saying that though, I think it would be stupid of the Capitol to do that, because it wouldn’t be an exciting Games.’’ He begins.

‘’ Why not?’’ I ask in confusion.

‘’ Because most tributes can’t swim, many would drown and the Games would be a lot shorter and a lot less action-packed.’’ He explains.

‘’ Good point.’’ I smile. ‘’ Next question is for Ellie, what is your weapon of choice?’’

‘’ Like Lilly I don’t really have one. But I hope to learn the art of the throwing knife during training so I can be prepared for the Games.’’ She details.

‘’ Good idea.’’ I say.

Suddenly the bell rings to indicate our time is up – something that couldn’t happen last time because we had to cut the interview short.

‘’ Aw! That’s all we have time for with this lot, please give them all a round of applause!’’ I yell and the crowd cheers excitedly and screams in admiration as the tributes make their way off the stage. As they walk, flowers are also thrown towards them by Capitol citizens.

I remain onstage for a few moments as I have some news for the audience. It takes them a few moments to calm themselves but when they do, I speak again.

‘’ OK. We are going to have a thirty minute break, in which you can visit the restroom, the food and drink stalls or of course the gift shop. However, I ask that you are all here in fifteen minutes as I have an exciting announcement for you all! See you then!’’ I smile and exit the stage to their cheering.

I head towards my dressing room, passing the tributes that are next up for interviews getting their makeup done. They must love this! These few days in the Capitol will be the most memorable days of their short lives, they’re living like royalty here in comparison to the Districts.

I open the door to my room and step inside and actually gasp aloud when I see that the President is waiting for me.

‘’ Hello Piper.’’ He says, in a way that almost suggests he’s in pain.

‘’ Good evening, Mr President.’’ I gasp after a few seconds. ‘’ Is something wrong?’’

‘’ I think you know what’s wrong Ms Papillon. You’re beginning to lose the thing that made me hire you to replace Nymphadora Nightlark all those years ago. Control.’’ He explains and I feel my heart sink.

How can I forget what happened to Nymphadora, after all, I replaced her!

‘’ Please sir, don’t do this...’’ I begin, fighting back sobs.

‘’ Do what?’’ He says and laughs slightly.

Is he teasing me?

‘’ Please.’’ I beg.

‘’ Piper. What on earth is the matter with you?’’ He asks.

‘’ What?’’ I ask in confusion. ‘’ What have you come to tell me.’’

‘’ I think it’s time for you to retire.’’ He says.

What’s he going to do to me? Kill me? Or will it be worse?

‘’ Please don’t do this. Why?’’ I ask, pleading with him as tears begin to roll down my face.

‘’ You’re too old. You’re losing what you once had. I don’t think this job is for you, we need someone more able.’’ He continues.

‘’ Please. Please don’t.’’ I plead.

‘’ Don’t what?’’ He questions.

‘’ Kill me like you killed Nymphadora.’’ I exclaim and immediately wish I hadn’t. ‘’ Sorry.’’

His face remains unchanged.

‘’ I didn’t kill Nymphadora...’’ He begins with a chuckle.

LIAR!

‘’ And I won’t kill you.’’ He adds.

‘’ What are you going to do? Who is replacing me?’’ I ask, I feel as though I am going to collapse.

‘’ I don’t know yet!’’ He laughs. ‘’ Piper what on earth is the matter?’’

‘’ What are you going to do to me? Where are you going to send-‘’ I begin but he interjects.

‘’ Silence.’’ He orders and I shut my mouth instantly. ‘’ I’m not going to send you anyway. I am just suggesting that you think about resigning after this year. You’ve served me faithfully for twenty five years and the Capitol loves you. I have a beautiful penthouse condo bought for you – and let me tell you, it didn’t come cheap! But you can move there, start a family, move on with your life as a normal citizen.’’

‘’ You mean I can live?’’ I gasp in shock.

‘’ Of course you can!’’ He says. ‘’ What are you going on about?’’

‘’ It doesn’t matter.’’ I say and burst into laughter.

‘’ Ok then.’’ He smiles. ‘’ Now, dry those tears. You’re going back out there soon to give them the news. And smile. It’s your last year before you resign, have fun with it!’’

‘’ Thank you sir. I will do.’’ I vow and then he does something completely unexpected.

He leans forwards, and places his hand on the side of my head. For a moment I stand frozen to the spot then he pulls me towards him and I am forced to kiss him. It seems to drag on and I feel fresh tears welling up inside me.

Do not cry Piper. Do not cry. I order myself.

‘’ Good luck. I will take you to see our new condo during the training sessions when you have more time.’’ He smiles and exits the dressing room after he pecks me on the forehead.

As the door shuts, I retreat to my chair in front of the mirror and begin to cry.