I decided for such a cliche story I needed a cliche opening, so here's the President and the Head Gamemaker talking about the Games.
Luperca Galba POV
Upon this a question arises: whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? One should wish to be both...
I'd read the quote, and the book in which it was written, periodically since I began my career. It was an invaluable guide to all the facets of gaining and maintaining power. That, after all, was my ultimate goal. I did not seek to oppress, merely to rule. Of the two ways to preserve my authority, I had thus far leaned toward fear. Two failed uprisings had done much to further that end, and I considered the area thoroughly covered. Perhaps it was time to gain the people's support in addition to the fear. I could not hope for love, but small gestures go a long way in such times.
I was set to meet with my new Head Gamemaker, Titian Qin, in moments, and perhaps he would have some fresh ideas. He was an ideal man for the job. He was staunchly loyal to the Capitol and endlessly grateful for the quality of life I provided him. He was also young, hungry, and eager. No matter what I decided, I knew his first Games would be a spectacle. He arrived, exuding nervousness, and I initiated the conversation.
"Mr. Qin. I anticipate hearing your thoughts for your first game," I said. Titian twirled his hair and sat formally straight in his chair.
"I have a few ideas, but I thought since it's my first Games I should ask you first," he said. "Is there any theme or atmosphere you wanted?" I was pleased with his answer. He acknowledged his inexperience and sought advice. He drank in every word as I spoke.
"The Games are necessarily unpleasant. They represent Capitol justice, but this year I would like to show that we can merciful as well. Do you have any suggestions?" I asked.
"More merciful? Like the losers don't die or something?" Titian offered. I could consider that. I would not go so far as to cheapen the Games entirely, but two or perhaps more Victors could be tolerated.
"We just had a Quell. Do you still want a twist? We could do something like if a Tribute is about to die we save them once. A second chance," he said.
"But still they would eventually die," I pointed out. Titian perked up like he'd thought of some revelation. He frowned and seemed to wrestle with himself.
"What if... what if we did the ultimate second chance?" he said at last. He wrung his hands and smiled too widely to be sincere. I indicated I was interested and waited for him to elaborate.
"What if we brought back dead Tributes?" he paused to gauge my reaction. "We could clone them. It would be like an All-Stars Games," he said. It was a lightbulb moment. What better way to show Capitol benevolence than to give life to fallen and mourned Tributes? I would be hailed as a healer, not a killer. They'd forget I killed them in the first place and adore me for my endless compassion. I smiled a far more sincere smile and Titian knew he'd made it big.
Don't fear about Exsequia. She knew a Gamemaker's fortune is never secure and retired while the getting was good. I only removed her because I noticed all my Capitol authority figures were female.
President Galba finally got a first name. I named her after the wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus. I also got to find out a bit more about her, which was interesting.