DOWNTOWN HELL
Prologue
Lachlan Zabel was the head Gamemaker for ten long years. His astonishing and innovative designs won him the complete trust of President Coriolanus Snow. Lachlan Zabel was an artist. Every year, the citizens of Panem waited eagerly for his latest invention; for another travel inside his ingenious brain. After another successful year, it was only right that the acclaimed artist began fishing for fresh ideas. Three days after the latest victor was proclaimed he began his planning for the next Hunger Games.
It was a chilly night that day; the fireplace crackled softly, its flames dancing with one another to a harmonious beat. Lachlan sat in his black leather chair, his right hand wrapped around an elegant glass filled with delicious blood-red wine. He briefly lowered his eyes to scan his blackwood desk which was now completely immersed underneath a sea of books and papers.
"Planning already?" Lachlan jumped as the sound of a voice resounded inside the room, his fingers now covered with the red wine that had scurried out of the glass with the sudden movement.
"President Snow!" The grey-haired man gasped at the white screen placed on the wall in front of him, which was now showing the image of Coriolanus Snow. "You gave me quite a scare." Lachlan breathed out, his shaky hand placing the wine glass on top of his desk.
"What a waste of great wine," President Snow remarked, his snakelike eyes staring with distaste as the man in the room cleaned his fingers with a white handkerchief.
Lachlan threw the tainted cloth on top of his desk before raising his eyes back at the screen. "I've been saving it for a night like this," he murmured dejectedly.
"Yes, it's a beautiful night isn't it?" Snow contemplated. "The air is fresh, the roses are blooming and there's a full moon on the sky…" he grinned, his shiny white teeth contrasting with his full, crimson lips.
"This reminds me…" the white haired man continued. "Your design for this year's arena was exquisite!" he praised and Lachlan beamed with delight.
"Thank you very much sir!" he responded with a wide smile. "I consider it to be one of my best works!"
"It certainly was!" Snow concurred. "Sending them to space; what a treat it was to see!" he exclaimed, his lips curling up into a devilish smile. "After all, no one can hear you scream in space, right?"
"Right!" Lachlan repeated as Snow broke into a maniacal laugh, one that sent chills through the Gamemaker's spine.
The man in the screen sighed happily as his laughter finally ceased. "Have you started the planning for next year?" he inquired curiously.
Lachlan nodded firmly, his body inching closer to his desk. "Yes sir, I have a very clear idea already."
"Wonderful!" Snow exclaimed with delight. "Would you mind sharing your ideas?"
Lachlan shook his head and grinned impishly. "Well, let's just say it'll be more down to earth this year."
President Snow laughed loudly. "Well, I can't wait to see that one!"
The Gamemaker smirked victoriously as President Snow began saying his goodbyes. "I must leave now Lachlan, we'll talk again in a few days." The thin man informed him and Lachlan nodded his head in agreement.
"Always a pleasure talking to you President Snow, I bid you a good night." The white haired man nodded once before the screen went blank again.
Lachlan leaned back in his chair and sighed tiredly. It had been a long day for him. He had spent most of his time drawing maps for the next arena. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to achieve just a couple of minutes of sleep. He was, however, interrupted when a light knock on his door was heard.
"Come in!" he called out hoarsely, his tiredness showing on his voice.
"Father? Are you here? " A young boy questioned and the older man turned around in his chair.
"Blaze," he greeted him with a genuine smile. "Come in please."
Blaze, a fourteen year old boy with electric blue hair, step inside his office. "I have the things you wanted me to find." He informed him, motioning to the black bag he was carrying.
His father's eyes light up immediately. "You found the books?" he asked in wonder.
Blaze nodded and pulled out one large and tattered book from the bag. "The pages are all yellow and it smells funny." He said, his nose scrunching in disgust.
The Gamemaker reached for the book and placed it on his lap, his grey eyes running over the title. "The Wonders of New York," he read out loud. "Well done, Blaze."
The young boy grinned happily and went to place the rest of the books on his father's desk. "If you don't mind me asking…" he started as he put out the last book from the bag. "Why do you need all this stuff?"
Lachlan smirked slightly and looked up at his son, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Because, Blaze, I've been researching about our past, of the world our ancestors used to live in. What better way to entertain our people than to send their tributes back in time?"
Hey guys, thanks for stopping by and reading this small prologue! First of all, I need to say that English is not my maternal language, so I apologize for any mistakes. Details and tribute form can be found on my bio! Please submit and enjoy!
