This is my first SYOT, and I'm excited to begin and to see your tributes! The submission form is on my profile, and I'll need 24 tributes, 2 from each district. PM your tributes to me, and also feel free to leave a review for the first couple of chapters, as these will outline the basis of the story, and give you clues to what Panem has become since the rebellion's failure.
President Augustus leaned back in his new white leather chair, breathing a long sigh of satisfaction. Finally. Finally he was here. He turned his chair around- a crest of Panem surged on the wall behind him, imposed immovably into the marble surface. Perhaps our nation has a different leader, Augustus thought, but she remains as strong as ever.
True, things had gotten frighteningly out of hand this year. Snow had watched power slip from his grasp, and political tensions in the Capitol had been fierce, but now all Augustus felt was calm; the people felt a languid peace. Sure, he wasn't as established as Snow had been, or as liberal as Coin, but Augustus knew he had charisma, and most importantly, he understood the power of appearances. He understood how to let the people know he was humble, and genuine, and he played the game very well indeed. After all, he had learnt from the best. He had seen how Everdeen moved the hearts of the districts, inspired them to revolt. It was a shame she could not see him now really. A shame that her eyes were sealed shut by the permanace of death, forever staring blankly up at the sky in a mass graveyard of rebels. Augustus considered for a moment broadcasting the screams of Everdeen's comrades to the people. Screaming as they suffered interrogation, suffered life inside a prison cell. Isolation. How exclusive, he thought to himself, how very entertaining.
Entertainment. That was another thing he understood well. He understood the people's need for entertainment, for distraction from their tiny lives. Their need to fear for loved ones, to worry over outcomes, to cheer for a victor, and to weep for the lost. Ultimately, they needed to feel. Augustus liked to consider himself a benefactor- a people's president. They rebelled because they became bored, and he would not have that again. This year the people would be his. They would be shocked, startled, confused by his announcement, but understood, pitied, and cared for by the tender heart of their new President. He would give the people exactly what they desired- a fantastic distraction.
Augustus caught a glimpse of his face in the corner of a large gilt mirror. Hard eyes met hard eyes. No, he thought to himself, this will not be a year they forget.
When submitting your tributes try to make them original and interesting. Consider things like their District, what jobs are available to them? How is life in this District? No perfect "Mary Sue" type characters, flaws make them much more intriguing and multi layered :) Thanks and don't forget to submit a tribute!