B777 Flight Attendant describes a return to field after a cockpit alarm indicates smoke in the First Class cabin complicated by the lack of information provided by the flight crew.

Narrative

Captain made a PA telling the passengers that an indicator light in the cockpit was illuminated and should not be. There was a possible mechanical problem with the aircraft and we would be going back to the airport. We then got a call from the Purser explaining that the fire warning alarms went off in the cockpit and they could be heard into the business cabin. I was Flight Attendant #10 and was sitting in the back I could not hear them. The Purser said the Captain told her there maybe some kind of smoke from the air conditioner packs but he was not sure. That we should prepare for an emergency landing. The other flight attendants in the back were #2; 3; myself 10; and 11. We all got out our manuals and started to look over the emergency check list. We were never given [additional] information. I called the Purser and asked if she had any of the [additional] information. She said she would call me back; that the cockpit was very busy. She called me back a few minutes later and told me: There was a possible smoke or fire somewhere in the forward part of the First Class cabin; if necessary we would evacuate using slides; the signal would be the signaling system and we had 10 minutes until we were on the ground. That was the last time I spoke with the Purser until we landed safely. I personally never called to speak to anyone in the cockpit. I did call to ask the Purser if I could have one of the Chinese passengers make a PA to let the Chinese people know what was happening and why we were landing so quickly. The purser said that would be ok. She was very busy and was looking for her PA card. Prepare for landing PA was made. Aft flight attendant checked for bags and seatbelts; took our jumpseat and landed without incident.