PROLOGUE
The whole of Panem falls silent as a monstrous, dark haired man steps out onto the balcony at the President's mansion. Every breath is baited, every eye on their screens, every thought swirling, wondering what on earth this could be.
"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Panem. 25 years ago, President Snow met his end on this very balcony. Now, today, his death will be avenged.' Bram Fleetwood begins.
A bloody, bruised, emaciated woman is dragged onto the stage, barely conscious and tied to a post.
"'President' Paylor," he sneers, addressing the anxious crowd below him. "This is the woman that killed your families. Ruined your lives. Destroyed your home, the Capitol. But never again.' He clicks his fingers, and a Peacekeeper emerges from the building. No one has seen a Peacekeeper since the second rebellion, and the whole audience of only Capitol civilians (the districts watch on television) begin to murmur. Then silence. Silence as the bullet shoots through the air, pierces Paylor's skull, and whatever life was left in her is diminished. Her fire is well and truly quenched. Fleetwood turns again, a malicious smile now gracing his face. The crowd's whispering is becoming louder, filled with whoops and cheers now, his smile mirrored in many tattooed faces.
"And to mark such a memorable occasion, we have a surprise in line for our dear Districts. This year will be: The 76th Hunger Games!"
The entire city erupts, people screaming in happiness, tears and hugs. Their beloved leaders are back. Fleetwood gives a satisfied smile and sits back to enjoy the applause. His eyes wander to the only two people invited from the districts to attend, and settle on the tears running down his face, the expression that shows her whole world is collapsing. For the Capitol citizens, the injust is over. For the two District 12 people standing alone in an unfamiliar city, one with blonde curly hair, one with olive skin and dark eyes, it has only just begun.
