Chapter 1

Head Gamemaker Reeve Dace POV

Reeve took a moment to steady himself. He had had a late night finalizing everything for the games. He never expected to become head gamemaker so soon in his career, but with the "early retirement" of last year's head gamemaker, head trainer, and many other high officials he had been told he was the best man for the job. He knew he could do much better and would not vanish into "early retirement" like so many others. Last year's games had been a complete failure. Little to no entertainment and the Capitol was calling for a change. This year's HG had to be a success, and they would be! Of this he had no doubt.

The anthem began to play on his TV, signaling the start of this year's reaping. He was interested to see how the audience would react to the new twist. The president had authorized special training "academies" in Districts 1, 2, & 4 (even though training was against the rules). This would add a new element to the games. No more tributes refusing to kill (like last year). For the past year, all the children between ages twelve through eighteen in these three districts had been training under peacekeepers. The peacekeepers weren't just training their bodies, they were also imposing a new mindset on the people of the districts: that to fight in the HG gave you honor and glory, and to win was all the better. It helped that in the past twelve years, 6 of the twelve victors had come from these districts (2 from D1, 3 from D2, and 1 from D4). The other years had been undeserving Last year the only tribute who survived the gamemaker created attacks was from D10. The others who had earned their place were from 3, 5, and 7. The other undeserving victors were from 9 and 11.

Reeve shook himself out of his musings and turned to watch the recap of the reapings. The Capitol escort in district one walked to the girls' ball. His words were lost in the shouts of "I volunteer!" A mad dash for the stage ensued ending with a strong-looking girl (age 17). The same happened with the boys. A tall attractive blond (age 18) joined the girl. "I give you the tributes of District 1: Precious Wilson and Garnet Lathan!"

The screen cut to District 2. Again tributes lunged forward, fighting to get to the stage. "The tributes of District 2: Xiomar Yancy (a muscular dark-haired boy, 17 years old) and Cozette Laraine (age 18. She would no doubt be a favorite based off her looks)."

There was a bit of a letdown in the excitement while watching the District 3 reapings. No one volunteered, and the tributes looked frightened. The girl, Marjan Wynn age 14, cried as she made her way up the stage. Her tears increased when joined by her fellow tribute: Tyrus Wynn age 14. Reeve placed their names in his "bloodbath" category.

District 4 came next. Reeve had heard a rumor that the academy had chosen their tributes before hand. This seemed to be true when only one boy and one girl volunteered. The girl tribute, however, didn't seem to fit the other "careers". She didn't look very strong and was younger than the others. Reeve put a question mark by her name. The boy seemed every bit a fighter and victor. "Oriana Riley (age 16) and Pierce Kendall (age 18)".

Reeve now settled in for the long hall. He kept his notebook handy, but didn't expect much from the other districts. District 5 and 6 produced nondescript tributes. From 5: Alair Ynes (age 13) and Rex Emerson (age 15) and from 6: Sarina Hakim (age 15) and Trent Dion (age 17). Reeve added their names to the bloodbath column.

District 7 proved a bit more interesting. The boy tribute was a volunteer, stepping in for a 12-year-old. The girl, though young, looked confident as she strode to the stage. "Marlon Ives (age 15) and Reynalda Verdell (age 16)!"

District 8 had a striking pair. Both had the potential of being attractive (after spending time with stylists, of course). They both volunteered and presented themselves as a team. Reeve put a note to pay attention to Sienna Paris (16) and Blake Orrin (17).

District 9 produced a young pair. A twelve-year-old girl and thirteen year old boy stood on the stage looking shocked. "Etta Hiram and Joven Kadir!" Reeve placed both in the bloodbath column.

The District 10 girl, Diana Eloy (age 15) was added to the bloodbath column, but the boy, Farid Drew (age 16) was strong and had a glint in his eye that Reeve recognized as rage and anger. He made a note to watch Farid. He had a potential to go far, but was not necessarily the perfect victor.

District 11 added another 12-year-old to the mix, Kaleb Warner. His district partner, Alanza Quinn, age 15 was a petite red-head. She was sure to be a favorite with the Capitol.

Finally District 12 ended the recap. They produced two skinny, dirty-looking tributes: Nikki Tate (age 18) and Renjiro (Ren) Dante (age 13). Reeve place Renjiro in the bloodbath column, but left Nikki out. He knew the president would be interested in her for use in later games (if she won, which wasn't likely).

A/N: I do not own the Hunger Games – that belongs to Suzanne Collins.