#61hungergame

[61-hunger-games-blog]

Briar Keene: Top 8 Interview

Rick sat down in the dark room with a thud, his lips pressed tightly together into a thin line. Worry was etched onto his face but it was clear that he felt some relief at his sister making it to the final 8. It was a tricky stage to get to... She either struggled all that time for nothing, or would live with the horrors of these games for the rest of her life. No matter what happened they would all end up scarred by these events. Being dragged to the Capitol just made it worse for Rick. A moment of uncomfortable, heavy silence passed when the interviewer chirped across a large speaker into the room. Rick didn't react.

> Tell us your name and relationship to Briar.

Rick growled at the command, sitting on the edge of his chair as he scratched at his beard in silence. The interviewer cleared her throat, waiting for Rick to say something. "I'm Rick Keene, brother of Briar." He said curtly as he folded his arms.

> Have you been keeping up with the games Rick?

"Of course I have!" He yelled indignantly, "what kind of brother would I be if I didn't?! It's painful but I have to watch her! She's in the only place I can't look after her... I would of volunteered to help her out but of course... I couldn't."

> Why couldn't you Ricky?

"I'm 19..."

> What do you think of her love interest Tristan?

Rick growled, sitting back in his chair and leaning his back on it. "I neither like nor dislike him... He's done a good job of keeping Bri alive. I guess... I guess I owe him one. Or I would if he wasn't stuck in their," his voice rose in volume as his anger grew. The interviewer seemed oblivious to this, continuing with her probing.

> How will Briar cope if he dies and she wins?

Rick contemplated the question before shrugging, "how am I supposed to know?" He snapped, he didn't really want to think about Briar's pain. Especially considering the situation she was in now. It was all just so hard...

> If she dies, how will life continue in the Keene household?

At this question, Rick stood up and went to leave before turning back to face the camera. "Oh we've already had one death in the family, why not another for your pleasure." At that he spat on the floor before cursing and smashing through the doors.

Jane Keene (Interview two)

> And who might you be?

"I-I'm Jane Keene, Briar's mother."

> Your son was temperamental, should we expect that from your daughter?

"He's just worried sick for her," she whispered, "we all are. I don't think she has that much anger within her to... Act up?" She questioned, unsure of herself. She wrung her hands out of one another, pulling at the seams on her shirt. The threads unfurled and she began to move her hands in a sewing fashion, fixing imaginary clothes up to work out her worry and anxiety. 

> What do you think of Tristan, Briar's little lover boy?

"I-uh-he-I," she stuttered, unsure of what she wanted to say and what the Capitol wanted to hear. Maybe if she did a good job here Briar could get sponsors. "I like him," she said a little more confidently, but her voice was still sheepish and weak. "I-uh, he seems like a nice young man. I'm glad Briar had the chance to meet him..." She finished softly, tears swimming in her eyes. She knew Rick wouldn't like that statement, but maybe. Just maybe the Capitol would.

> Do you think Briar can win?

Jane's eyes opened wide, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. She shook her head before speaking. "I-she has a chance. She made it this far..."

> What if she has to kill Tristan?

"I-"

> What if Tristan kills her?

The questions blurt out at Jane and the room spun. She'd never been a very strong woman and the pressure of this just pushed her off the edge into a dark abyss. Jane fainted, slipping off of her chair into a heap on the floor.

[61-hunger-games-blog]

Tristan Hayes: Top 8 Interview

Sophie took a seat opposite the table situated in the centre of the room. She shook furiously. She had always been afraid of the Capitol. Even more so when Tristan was sent into the games. When their father had died, he had always been there for her; he pushed his feelings to one side and helped her grieve their father's death and now he was in the Games. She was scared for him, and hoped that he could make it out.

> State your name and relationship to Tristan Hayes.

The girl took a deep breath before speaking, her hands shook, scared that she would not help her older brother. "I- I- I'm Sophie. Trist's little sister." Her voice was quiet and timid. She swallowed, trying to hold back the tears that forced their way into her eyes. She had always had Tristan there to support her. To stand by her when she needed it most. But he was no longer there to help her...

> Do you think he has what it takes to win?

Taking another deep breath, the girl spoke, her words shaken and fearful "I- I think he does... He is strong and... Brave. He knows how to survive and he has made it this far."

> You are precious darling. So cute. But what about his love interest, the girl from 8. What was her name? Briar.

Sophie straighented herself up, "She seems really nice. I wish I could of met her..."

> If you could say anything to Tristan right now, what would it be?

Sophie could no longer stop the tears from pouring from spilling out of her eyes. "I just want him to know that... I- love him... With all my heart and that I- I will never forget him. You can do it Tris..." she whimpered, crying quietly to herself. The pressure was getting to her, she had no idea how her brother would come out alive when the girl he loved was in their with him. The brother she knew and loved always put others before himself and that scared her.

Interview Two: Alyssa Hayes

The next person to arrive in the dark room was a middle aged woman, her hair much darker than the young girl before her. She sat up straight in her chair, her face filled with emotion.

> State your name and relationship to Tristan Hayes.

"I am Alyssa Hayes. His mother." Her tone was flat and emotionless, she did not want the Capitol to glorify in her pain. She knew if Tristan ever saw this he would be devastated at his sisters pain and Alyssa was not about to make him feel even worse. He was fighting for his survival and she was the last thing Alyssa wanted him to worry about.

> It must be awful to watch your son fighting for his life. How have you thought of the games so far?

Alyssa held her tongue before she spoke. She knew if she told the truth it would end up getting her son killed. "I am glad he has not had too much trouble during the games so far. I know it won't last forever... but I would rather he fought later rather than sooner giving his current condition."

> Interesting... So what about this Briar girl. Seems like Tristan isn't just fighting for himself...

"She seems like a lovely girl. I just worry that Tristan cares more for her than he does for himself..." She trailed off, not wanting to think about it. She loved her son more than anything and she feared that if it came down to just him and Briar, that he would make sure Briar came out of the games alive... The interviewer seemed to pick up on Alyssa's sudden flash of emotion and cocked an eyebrow.

> Hmmm, If it did come down to just the two of them, who do you think would come out as Victor?

"I just hope that it doesn't come to that..."

>I'm afraid our time is up. It has been a... pleasure meeting you. Happy Hunger Games. The interviewer stood up and stalked out of the room, leaving Alyssa alone. She took her head in her hands and began crying softly. Please Tristan. You can do it. Please...

[61-hunger-games-blog]

Wes Vipoint: Top 8 Interview

Althea Vipoint: Mother

"Well, Mrs. Vipoint, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Charmed, I'm sure." The woman sitting across from him seemed perfectly poised and completely unfazed by the cameras and lights, calm and collected. She nodded to the interviewer and he jumped directly into his questions.

"Let's cut right to it, then, are you proud of your son?"

Mrs. Vipoint smiled smoothly, a well-practiced little smirk as one perfectly manicured eyebrow arched. "Of course I am, who wouldn't be?"

"And his-- ah-- relationship with the tribute from Nine? How is that going over with his mum?"

"Relationship?" she replied coolly, smile still in place, unwavering. "I'd call it clever editing and a ploy for the camera, actually, they did learn how to spin quite a dramatic tale in the Academy, makes for a better show. Wesley was always quite adept at that."

"Was he?" The interviewer looked politely surprised by this information, but brushed it off. "And his kill count?"

"Could be better, of course, but he's made it to the final eight, not that it was ever in doubt, you know," Mrs. Vipoint replied, nonchalantly tucking a nonexistent strand of hair behind her ear. "But the little girl from two has more kills than he does, I'd call that a disappointment, honestly."

"Nike is quite the little contender, yes? Now, do you think your son will win the games?"

"He could. His father and I both have faith in him." Her smile grew just the tiniest bit as she nodded to the camera. 

"Thank you, Madame, perhaps we'll be meeting again during the Victory Tour."

"You're welcome, sir, I hope we will."

Grandis Vipoint: Father

"Mr. Vipoint! You are the father of our lovely little tribute, yes?"

Rather the opposite of his wife, Mr. Vipoint was a jaunty sort of man, with an open smile and loud clothing. His response was just as loud as his style of dress. "Of course I am, and he is my lovely tribute, good sir, not yours."

"Right, of course," The interviewer replied with a tight smile, nodding. "I forgot to ask your wife about this- how was he, as a child, Wes?"

"Wesley, actually, I'm sure his mom mentioned that Wes is only a little nickname he came up with around age twelve... But yeah, he was a good kid most of the time, used to mess around with weapons a lot, decapitated a lawn gnome when he was around five, we figured he might as well join the Academy at that point," he replied, shrugging with a grin. "He got reaped one year, actually, he was fourteen. Someone else volunteered for him-- you should have seen how mad he got that day, said he was ready, said that the other guy stole his chance at glory- Well, he's got it now."

"What do you think of his performance in the games so far?"

"His performance has been just fine, he doesn't seem to know how to keep himself off the television... his mom was watching the Flickerman show, almost had a heart attack when she saw her little boy half dressed draped over the tribute from nine." He chuckled and leaned back in his seat. "Althea said that was not what she needed to see first thing in the morning."

"In the games themselves, though, now that the drama in the tributes lounge and the elevator is over, though, how do you think he's been handling that sword?"

"Perfectly well, he's just fine, killed off a lovely amount by this point, nice to see that his training went to good use. Likes to give a show, he does, biggest showoff ever." Mr. Vipoint laughed and smoothed out his vest before continuing. "Just recently, watching him kill the one from four, and all...drawing it out. Highly entertaining."

"Mm. Well, thank you very much for your time, Mr. Vipoint, any closing thoughts?"

 "Tell him to eat. Good god, he'll disgrace the family name if he dies from starvation." He laughed and heartily shook the interviewer's hand before getting up off the seat.